Prognostic factors for breast cancer recurrence

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. In the Netherlands, over 14.000 women a year are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Fortunately, the prognosis of breast cancer patients is improving thanks to increased insight in tumor biology and continuing improvements in systemic therapy. In this thesis we evaluated the rate of breast cancer recurrence as well as associated prognostic factors. This knowledge can help us to personalize treatment with the aim of avoiding over and under treatment, and thereby improving outcome and reducing unnecessary toxicity.