Advances in breast cancer diagnostics are critical to improving early diagnosis and ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment and personalized care. A key study in this volume investigates the ability of ultrasound-based radiography to estimate the expression of important markers such as oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2, and Ki-67 in breast cancer patients (Xu et al.). This new approach aims to eliminate molecular testing, reduces the need for biopsies, and offers a more efficient, patient-friendly alternative to traditional diagnostics. These advances are particularly important for improving diagnostic accuracy and guiding treatment in different types of breast cancer.

This research is complemented by another study on breast calcification, which is often an early sign of malignancy. A new machine learning algorithm was developed to improve the segmentation and quantification of calcium in mammograms (Tong et al.). The algorithm is superior in identifying microcalcifications compared to existing models, improving the diagnostic process by helping radiologists distinguish malignant diseases. This AI-powered innovation holds great promise for improving early detection and reducing misdiagnosis, especially in difficult-to-find early-stage breast tissue.

Advances in decisive oncology continue to improve breast cancer treatment. Much of the research in this Research Topic focuses on personalized treatment strategies to improve outcomes based on the patient’s molecular profile. A key example is the study of the Lem-D protein in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (Rose et al.). Because TNBC lacks hormone receptors that are frequently targeted by other types of breast cancer, treatments are often limited. The researchers in this volume describe the role of nuclear envelope proteins, such as Ankle2, TMPO, and Emerin in TNBC cell growth, providing compelling evidence that these proteins may serve as a new treatment plan. This opens the door to more effective, targeted interventions for one of the most serious and difficult-to-treat breast cancers.

Improving of personalized therapy also include traditional treatment such as radiotherapy. Comparative studies of conventional and hypofractionated radiation therapy using the Halcyon system highlight the importance of radiation therapy to stabilize the tumour with reduced side effects (Tai et al.). The hypofractionation approach, which delivers more radiation in fewer sessions, has been shown to be better minimizing side effects, even if not as effective in controlling tumours, as than conventional ones.

Breast cancer, irrespective of its extent and treatment, has negative impacts on several aspects of women’s lives. This Research Topic includes several studies that highlight the importance of health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and patient outcomes, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. One study examined how the COVID-19 vaccine impacted HR-QoL in patients with breast and gynaecological cancer (Forster et al.). Findings suggest that vaccination helps improve patients’ overall health, reduces stress, and improves their ability to participate in daily life. Given cancer patients’ vulnerability to infection, these results highlight the important role of vaccination in reducing further health risks and improving mental health during a global health crisis.

A common complication after breast cancer surgery that also affects patients’ quality of life is lymphedema. A study of clinical decongestant therapy (CDT) in women with postmastectomy lymphedema showed that the treatment resulted in significant improvements in physical health and pain intensity (Kavak and Ünver). Patients had increased mobility, reduced limb size, and improved health through exercise and education services. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating rehabilitation into breast cancer treatment plans to ensure that holistic care continues beyond the postoperative period.

Fertility preservation is another important issue, especially for young women diagnosed with breast cancer. The reviews and assessments in this volume highlight the concerns related to pregnancy in young cancer patients, with over 50% of patients reporting serious concerns about becoming pregnant after treatment (Chen et al.). Factors such as education level, reproductive stress, and depression have been found to be important contributors to these stressors, while having a partner or having children has been shown to be protective. This study shows the need for counselling and support that not only affects the physical health of the patient, but also the patient’s mental and emotional health among young women with cancer. In addition, data on pregnancy-associated cancer (PABC) highlight the unique challenges in cancer management during pregnancy (Innocenti et al.). The case describes the success of a patient who underwent breast-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. This multifaceted exercise emphasizes the importance of clinical strategies that define maternal and foetal health to ensure that breast cancer care is appropriate for reproductive outcomes.

The relationship between genes and breast cancer has been an important topic of research. The main report in this volume is about inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare and serious disease (Qin et al.). Through genetic analysis, researchers have identified the most important mutations, such as PIK3CA, and the mechanisms that can affect the recurrence of the disease. These data demonstrate the benefits of genetic analysis in guiding treatment strategies and identifying therapeutic targets, particularly in complex, recurrent cases.

In addition, research on the immune system and their association with cancer risk provides new insights into the possibility of immunotherapy. A Mendelian randomization study showed how immunosuppressants can increase or decrease the risk of cancer, especially in ER-positive and ER-negative subtypes (Wang et al.). These findings provide the basis for further research on immunotherapy, which can provide more personalized and effective treatments for patients with the disease.