This article focuses on the management of early breast cancer, highlighting recent changes and the role of the general practitioner in supporting women in their decision making and treatment.

Goals of treatment in advanced breast cancer are to prolong life, manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Prescribing drugs to reduce the risk of cancer is a new development in primary cancer prevention.

An unusual breast lesion in an adolescent female highlights the need for adherence to a validated algorithm for investigation of a new breast symptom.

Breast symptoms are common in female and male adolescents and young adults, and most can be treated conservatively.

Supporting the patient in coping with the long-term nature of granulomatous lobular mastitis and the chronic discharging lesions is essential.

In addition to a role in cancer surveillance, GPs have key roles in the management of comorbid illness, secondary prevention, health promotion, self-management promotion and coordination of care.

As cancer shifts towards a chronic disease care model, general practitioners remain essential to the patient journey from first suspicion to survivorship.

Early detection of cancer requires us to maintain both knowledge of insidious warning signs and vigilance in seeking these out.

Molecular targeting agents are revolutionising treatment options, particularly poly adenosine diphosphate–ribose polymerase inhibitors, especially for patients with an underlying BRCA mutation.

Radiation therapy may be used as definitive treatment for low-risk cancers, as an adjuvant treatment for high-risk disease or alone for inoperable cases.

Prevention and early diagnosis coupled with curative treatments are key strategies for reducing lung cancer mortality by avoiding the sequelae of metastatic disease.

All neck masses should be considered malignant until proven otherwise.

Evidence suggests that exercise has a significant therapeutic effect in the management of cancer.

Exercise testing and prescription for patients with lung cancer adheres to general principles, along with cancer-specific safety considerations.