Our sponsors empower RFTC Japan’s mission to eradicate breast cancer through vital awareness and education. Their active participation and generous donations are essential to our work and saving lives.
Hana-me offers free seminars with lectures and hands-on workshops. Master self-exams and dispel myths to empower your health through early breast cancer detection.
Run For The Cure Foundation (RFTC) Japan is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer education, early detection, and compassionate support.
Early breast cancer refers to cancer that is confined to the breast or nearby lymph nodes (Stages 0–II and some Stage III cases). In Japan, early breast cancer is highly treatable, and survival rates are among the best in the world.
Treatment is carefully tailored to each individual, based on the stage of cancer, tumor biology, and personal preferences.
A Team-Based, Personalized Approach
In Japan, early breast cancer treatment is typically planned by a multidisciplinary team, which may include:
Breast surgeons
Medical oncologists
Radiation oncologists
Pathologists and radiologists
Breast care nurses and support staff
This team approach ensures that each patient receives the most effective and least invasive treatment possible.
Surgery
Surgery is usually the first step in treating early breast cancer.
Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)
Removes the cancer while preserving most of the breast
Often followed by radiation therapy
Widely performed in Japan when medically appropriate
Mastectomy
Removal of the entire breast
Recommended when cancer is large, multifocal, or based on patient choice
Breast reconstruction is increasingly available and may be done immediately after or later
Lymph Node Surgery
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is commonly used to check whether cancer has spread
Full lymph node removal is avoided when possible to reduce side effects such as arm swelling (lymphedema)
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is commonly used after breast-conserving surgery and sometimes after mastectomy.
Destroys the remaining cancer cells in the breast or chest area
Reduces the risk of cancer returning
Typically given over several weeks at outpatient facilities
Radiation therapy in Japan follows international safety standards and is well-tolerated by most patients.
Hormone (Endocrine) Therapy
Hormone therapy is used for cancers that are estrogen-receptor (ER) or progesterone-receptor (PR) positive, which are common in early breast cancer.
Common treatments include:
Tamoxifen
Aromatase inhibitors (for postmenopausal women)
Hormone therapy is usually taken for 5 to 10 years and significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be recommended if there is a higher risk of recurrence.
Factors influencing this decision include:
Tumor size and grade
Lymph node involvement
Hormone receptor and HER2 status
Genomic test results (when available)
Chemotherapy may be given:
Before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumor
After surgery (adjuvant) to reduce recurrence risk
Not all patients need chemotherapy, and many early breast cancers can be treated without it.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific features of cancer cells.
HER2-Targeted Therapy
Used for HER2-positive breast cancer
Often combined with chemotherapy
Has greatly improved outcomes for this type of breast cancer
Targeted therapies are widely available in Japan, and follow international guidelines.
Genomic Testing (Selected Cases)
For some patients with hormone-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer, genomic tests may be used to:
Estimate the risk of recurrence
Help determine whether chemotherapy is necessary
These tests support more personalized treatment decisions and help avoid overtreatment.
Supportive and Follow-Up Care
After active treatment, ongoing care includes:
Regular follow-up visits and imaging
Management of side effects
Physical rehabilitation and lymphedema care
Emotional and psychological support
Japan’s healthcare system provides strong access to long-term follow-up and survivorship care.
A Closing Message
Early breast cancer is highly treatable, and many people go on to live long, healthy lives after treatment.
Treatment in Japan is:
Evidence-based
Patient-centered
Designed to balance effectiveness with quality of life
If you have been diagnosed with early breast cancer, your care team will work with you to choose the treatment plan that is right for you.
Early detection saves lives. Personalized treatment saves futures.
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