Breast cancer remains a significant public health concern worldwide, representing the most common malignancy among women and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. According to recent global estimates, more than 2.3 million new cases are diagnosed annually, accounting for approximately one in every four cancers diagnosed in women. In Türkiye, the incidence of breast cancer has increased steadily over the past two decades, in line with global trends and underscoring the influence of lifestyle changes, increased screening uptake, and an aging population. While advances in early detection and treatment have led to improved survival rates in many countries, the disease continues to demonstrate substantial heterogeneity in tumor biology, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes. These variations necessitate individualized, multidisciplinary care that integrates the latest evidence with patient-specific factors.

In recent years, the management of breast cancer has undergone major changes. Novel systemic agents, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, have expanded treatment options and improved disease control. Surgical techniques have evolved towards breast-conserving and oncoplastic approaches that balance oncological safety with aesthetic outcomes. Radiotherapy has benefited from precision delivery technologies, reducing toxicity while maintaining efficacy. Furthermore, survivorship care has emerged as a critical aspect of long-term management by addressing quality of life, psychosocial support, and late treatment effects. These developments require continuous updating of clinical knowledge for all healthcare professionals involved in breast cancer care.

The book Advances in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment has been designed to meet this need, offering a comprehensive and structured resource that combines fundamental knowledge with advanced clinical practice. Section 1 provides essential background on breast and axillary anatomy, epidemiology, risk factors, radiological assessment, and staging systems, forming the basis for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Section 2 explores current systemic and radiation therapies, detailing both neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings, with emphasis on integrating medical treatment and surgical strategy. Section 3 focuses on stage-specific management, encompassing early-stage, locally advanced, and metastatic disease, as well as rare entities such as occult breast cancer. Section 4 examines surgical procedures in detail, including mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery, oncoplastic classifications, reconstructive techniques, and the prevention and management of postoperative complications. Each chapter is authored by experts with substantial academic and clinical experience, ensuring that the content reflects contemporary evidence, best practices, and future directions.

As editors, we extend our deepest appreciation to all contributing authors for their meticulous work and dedication. Our work reflects not only scientific rigor but also a shared commitment to improving patient care. We are equally grateful to the patients whose experiences and resilience continue to inspire innovation in breast cancer research and treatment. We hope this book will serve as both an authoritative reference and a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration, guiding practitioners to deliver optimal, patient-centered care. Moreover, we hope it will encourage future research that addresses unmet needs, promotes the integration of emerging technologies, and ultimately contributes to reducing the global burden of breast cancer.

Prof. Dr. Bülent CİTGEZ
Memorial Ataşehir Hospital,
Department of General Surgery, İstanbul, Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Banu YİĞİT
Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital,
Department of General Surgery, İstanbul, Türkiye