Fig. 1

Comprehensive overview of breast cancer pathogenesis and treatment. Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent tumors in women, and its occurrence is associated with a multitude of factors, such as genetic mutations, late menopause, and obesity. The progression of breast cancer is shaped by numerous factors, encompassing both tumor cell characteristics and elements within the tumor microenvironment, whether cellular or non-cellular. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in diagnostic technologies for breast cancer. Alongside traditional imaging techniques and pathological diagnosis methods, liquid biopsy, and multiple immunofluorescence assays, digital pathology approaches are gradually being incorporated into clinical practice. Treatment options for breast cancer are diverse, and recent clinical studies emphasize the importance of individualized and precision treatments. Long-term follow-up management of breast cancer patients is also crucial, as it may impact both the therapeutic outcomes and enhancing patients’ quality of life. BUS B-scan ultrasonography, CT computed tomography, MRI magnetic resonance imaging, IF immunofluorescence, ctDNA circulating tumor DNA, CSC cancer stem cell, SASP senescence-associated secretory phenotype, TCA cycle tricarboxylic acid cycle. The figure was created with Biorender.com