Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is one of the most prevalent and common forms of Cancers. This condition largely effects women only, while in a very few rare cases it also affects certain men. Breast Cancer develops in the cells of the breast, wherein certain cells in the breast begin to grow rapidly and abnormally. This results in the accumulation of lumps or a mass of tissue. The cancer largely begins in the milk producing ducts and is likely to metastasize to other parts of the body via the lymphatic system.

Advances in medical science a large number of cases are now being accurately detected and successfully treated; with a large number of women are able to survive the rigors of the treatment process to come back to normalcy post-treatment. Breast cancer is a relatively less-aggressive forms of cancer allowing for patients to find treatment and survive this condition.

What are the causes & risk factors of breast cancer?

Most common causes of Breast Cancer have been identified as lifestyle, hereditary factors, hormonal imbalances, exposure to radiation, late pregnancies and increasing age. Currently, research indicates that about 5 to 10% of the breast cancer cases are mutations passed on hereditarily.

Some of the other risk factors for increased propensity to breast cancer includes:

• Early onset of puberty or menarche
• Post-menopausal hormonal therapy
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Not breast-feeding the children
• Previous breast-related conditions

What are the signs & symptoms of breast cancer?

The common signs to identify possible breast cancer include – lumps in the breast, change in the shape/size/appearance of the breast, change in the texture of the skin around the breast, inverted nipples, redness or soreness of the breast. The signs of breast cancer can be identified with a simple self-breast examination that one can conduct on their own. Also, certain screenings can also be helpful in identifying possible signs of breast cancer.

How can we prevent breast cancer?

Lifestyle plays a vital role in the prevention of breast cancer. A healthy lifestyle comprises of an appropriate diet for your body type, regular exercise, stress management, no smoking, moderate alcohol consumption and work-life balance. Lifestyle also includes a healthy work environment with no exposure to excessive pollution, infections and radiation. Staying away from smoking, narcotics, alcohol abuse is also a fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle. Another lifestyle factor that can be controlled is the norm of late pregnancies. Women who have their first child beyond the age of 30, have a higher risk of being affected by breast cancer.

What are the treatment options for breast cancer?

The treatment of breast cancer is most effective in the early stages of the disease, and progressively can become more challenging. Therefore, it is highly recommended that breast cancer is identified early to give the patient an excellent chance for treatment and survival. The treatment modalities available for the treatment of breast cancer includes – radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgical resection.

The surgical options to treat breast cancer include

• Lumpectomy, wherein the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue is removed.
• Mastectomy, wherein the tumor and the whole breast tissue is removed – he lobules, milk ducts, fatty tissue, the nipple and areola.
• Sentinel node biopsy, wherein the surgeon will remove the lymph nodes to ascertain the presence of cancerous cells.

Why choose us for oncology consultation or cancer treatment?

• It is crucial to seek the finest medical care for the treatment of cancer. We have a team of best oncologists, top cancer surgeons and other experts who are highly skilled and trained in evaluating and treating the most complex and challenging forms of cancer, through a personalized treatment plan based on the cancer type, stages of cancer and the disease progression.
• The multifaceted cancer care program also includes Pain and Palliative Treatment, Reconstruction, Comorbidity Management, Diet, Nutrition and Rehabilitation.
• We have a tumour board where all our specialists come together to discuss difficult and challenging cases in order to determine the best surgical resections, the best imagining strategies and the best medical oncology care. This type of multidisciplinary tumour board approach is associated with the most effective outcomes worldwide as it helps to establish the best treatment plan for each individual patient. Once the case is discussed in depth in the Tumour Board, the hospital offers a range of treatments required for overall cancer care.
• We put together an personalized plan taking into consideration not only your specific diagnosis but also your family history, lifestyle and general health.
• Our medical expertise combined with the availability of advanced medical technology for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and the excellent team of allied support staff and nursing team that we have, ensure that you get the best possible outcomes.
• Our doctors are specialized in treating a wide range of cancers including Breast Cancer, Oral Cancer, Thyroid tumour, Lung Cancer, Oesophageal Cancer, Stomach Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Uterine Cancer, Peritoneal Malignancy, Lymphoma, Leukemia, Malignant Tumour and Metastatic Tumour.
• We also have special un-wait zones where we ensure that a shorter wait time and a better atmosphere is provided to not just the patients but to also the care givers in the waiting areas.
• The main objective of our team of surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, and cancer support staff is to collaborate with each other to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of cancer patients and their families. We are there with you throughout your journey in fighting cancer and successfully come out of it and thereby empower you to take control of your health again. We strive our best to achieve this.