Background: Breast cancer recurrence poses significant challenges to patient outcomes, and understanding its impact is crucial for improving care strategies. This study investigated the demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics associated with breast cancer recurrence in women treated at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) over 20 years (2003–2023).

Methods: A non-interventional retrospective study reviewed medical records of women diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer at KAUH. Data were collected from the surgery unit database and electronic patient records, including demographics, lab results, mammogram findings, receptor statuses, and treatment details. Descriptive and analytical statistics were applied to assess recurrence factors and treatment impacts.

Results: The study included 193 women with a mean age of 50.26 ± 20.41 years. Half of the participants (50.2%) were Saudi nationals. The most common clinical presentation was a right breast mass (41.4%), followed by a left breast mass (34.2%). Invasive ductal carcinoma was diagnosed in 74.6% of cases. Estrogen receptor positivity was found in 71% of participants, progesterone receptor positivity in 48.3%, and HER2 positivity in 35.2%. Surgical interventions were predominantly mastectomies, accounting for 53.4% of cases. Lymph node involvement was absent in 45.6% of participants, and 50.3% had no lympho-vascular invasion. Many patients did not undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy (43.5%) or radiotherapy (49.7%). Cancer recurrence was reported in 20.7% of participants, with the most common recurrence period being within 2 to 3 years.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the high recurrence rate in breast cancer patients at KAUH despite varied treatment strategies. Incomplete data on essential treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy suggest the need for improved documentation and follow-up to enhance patient care. Future studies should focus on identifying predictors of recurrence to inform personalized treatment approaches.