Breast Cancer: Your Diagnosis, Treatment & Recovery

You don't have to navigate it alone

A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. There may be investigations, treatment decisions and many different specialists involved.

I’m Dr Ru Udayasiri, a FRACS-qualified General and Breast Surgeon. I provide breast cancer care across regional Victoria and Melbourne.

My role is to help you understand your diagnosis, explain your surgical options and guide you through your treatment in partnership with your multidisciplinary breast cancer team.

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Your breast cancer journey

1. Diagnosis Imaging and biopsy confirm what is happening in your breast.

2. Understanding your cancer We look at the cancer type, size, grade, lymph nodes and markers such as ER, PR and HER2.

3. Your treatment plan Your case may be discussed by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and breast care nurses.

4. Treatment before surgery Some breast cancers benefit from chemotherapy or targeted treatment before surgery.

5. Surgery Depending on your cancer, this may include:

  • Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy)

  • Mastectomy

  • Sentinel lymph node surgery

  • Oncoplastic surgery or reconstruction, where appropriate

6. Treatment after surgery Some patients require radiotherapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy or HER2-directed treatment. Not everyone needs all of these treatments.

7. Recovery & follow-up Your care continues after surgery with follow-up, breast imaging, rehabilitation and support with your recovery.

How I can help you?

Understand your diagnosis

I can review your imaging and biopsy results and explain what they mean.

Discuss your surgical options

We can talk through breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy, lymph node surgery and oncoplastic options.

Coordinate your care

I work closely with your oncologist, radiologist, pathologist, breast care nurse and other specialists.

Provide a second opinion

If you have already been diagnosed, I can provide an independent assessment of your diagnosis and treatment options.

Care closer to home

I provide breast surgical care across regional Victoria and Melbourne, helping patients access specialist care closer to home where possible.

Your questions matter

There is no single treatment that is right for everyone.

You should understand:

  • What type of breast cancer do I have?

  • What stage is it?

  • Are my lymph nodes involved?

  • Can I have breast-conserving surgery?

  • Will I need treatment before surgery?

  • Will I need chemotherapy or radiotherapy?

  • What are my reconstruction options?

  • What happens next?

My goal is to make your treatment easier to understand, so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Medical disclaimer

The information on this website is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or treating breast cancer team.

Every breast cancer is different. Your recommended investigations and treatment will depend on your individual diagnosis, pathology, medical history and preferences.

Medical information and treatment recommendations can change as new evidence becomes available. Please discuss your individual circumstances and treatment options with your treating doctor.

If you have urgent or concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

Trusted resources

For reliable, Australian breast cancer information and support:

Cancer Australia Information about breast cancer, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

Cancer Council Australia Patient information and cancer care resources.

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) Information, practical support and resources for people affected by breast cancer.

BreastScreen Australia Information about breast screening and mammography.

Cancer Council Support Line 13 11 20 — confidential cancer information and support.

BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258 — information and support for people affected by breast cancer.