Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide and is increasingly being diagnosed across all age groups. It occurs when cells in the breast grow and multiply abnormally and form a tumor which may spread to other parts of the body if not detected early. While predominantly affecting women, men can also develop breast cancer.
Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is diagnosed through Triple Assessment — a gold-standard combination of clinical evaluation, detailed imaging tests, and biopsy.
Key diagnostic components include Clinical breast examination, Mammogram (X-ray of the breast), Breast Ultrasound (detects whether a lump is solid or cystic), and MRI Breasts in selected cases (Evaluation of multicentric / multifocal disease).
Biopsy is used to confirm breast cancer and determine Biomarker status (Hormone receptor status: Estrogen and Progesterone receptors, and HER2 status).
Staging workup depends on the clinical status of the disease and may include Chest X-ray, Ultrasound Abdomen and Pelvis, Contrast Enhanced CT chest, Bone Scan, or Whole body PET/CT.
Common Symptoms
- Lump or mass in the breast or armpit
- Skin dimpling or puckering on the breast
- Asymmetry of the breast
- Discharge from the nipple, or the nipple turning inward
- An ulcer on the breast or nipple
- Swelling of the breast
- **Seek medical advice if you notice:** A new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size, shape or skin, or nipple discharge/inversion.
Risk Factors
- Age: Risk increases as women grow older, especially in the 40-50 year age group
- Family history: Breast or ovarian cancer in close relatives (mother, sister, daughter)
- Genetic mutations: Inherited changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Early menarche or late menopause: Longer lifetime exposure to estrogen
- Lifestyle Factors: Alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking
- Long-term use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Our Treatment Approach
Multidisciplinary, evidence-based treatment tailored to each patient.
Surgery
Includes Breast-Conserving Surgery (removes the tumor while preserving most of the breast), Mastectomy (removal of the entire breast in certain cases), and Lymph Node Surgery (Sentinel biopsy or axillary dissection).
Chemotherapy
Uses medicines to destroy cancer cells. May be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumor, after surgery (adjuvant) to reduce recurrence risk, or as palliative chemotherapy.
Targeted Therapy
Precision drugs that work specifically against certain cancer proteins (e.g., HER2) to block growth.
Hormone (Endocrine) Therapy
Used for breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive to block hormone signals.
Immunotherapy
Advanced therapy used in certain types of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer, to help the immune system attack tumours.
Radiation Therapy
Commonly given after breast-conserving surgery, in selected cases after mastectomy, or as palliative radiotherapy.
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