Breast Cancer Treatment in India

Breast cancer is among the most prevalent cancers impacting women and individuals assigned female at birth. It occurs when cancerous cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. Approximately 80% of breast cancer cases are invasive, which means that a tumor can spread from the breast to other parts of the body. While breast cancer primarily affects women aged 50 and older, it can also occur in younger women and those AFAB. Additionally, men and individuals assigned male at birth can develop breast cancer as well.

Types of Breast cancers :

Invasive (infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC) : This type of cancer begins in the milk ducts and can spread to surrounding breast tissue. It is the most prevalent form of breast cancer.

Lobular breast cancer : This cancer originates in the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands in the breast, and it often spreads to nearby tissue.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) : Similar to IDC, this type starts in the milk ducts, but unlike IDC, DCIS does not spread beyond the ducts.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) : This is an aggressive form of invasive cancer that tends to spread more rapidly than other types.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) : A rare and fast-growing cancer that can present as a rash on the breast.

Paget’s disease of the breast : This rare cancer affects the skin of the nipple and may resemble a rash. It accounts for less than 4% of all breast cancer cases.

Symptoms:

• Lump or Thickening: A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area is often the first noticeable symptom. This lump may feel different from the surrounding tissue and can be painless.
• Changes in Breast Size or Shape: Any noticeable change in the size or shape of one or both breasts can indicate a problem.
• Skin Changes: The skin on the breast may show dimpling, puckering, redness, or a texture similar to that of an orange peel. These changes can sometimes be subtle and may vary depending on skin tone.
• Nipple Changes: Alterations in the nipple's appearance, such as inversion (turning inward) or discharge (especially if bloody or occurring without breastfeeding), are significant symptoms.
• Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain in the breast or armpit that does not go away may be a symptom, although breast pain that comes and goes is usually not linked to cancer.
• Rash or Flaky Skin: A rash on or around the nipple area can also be a sign of breast cancer, particularly in cases like Paget's disease of the nipple.

Treatments:

Surgery is the main treatment for breast cancer, but it may also utilize additional therapies. The types of breast cancer surgeries include:

Mastectomy, Lumpectomy, Breast reconstruction, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy (Intraoperative radiation therapy), Immunotherapy, Hormone therapy (selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) therapy), Targeted therapy