Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India. It begins in the cells of the breast, most often in the milk ducts or lobules, and can occur in both women and, rarely, men. Detected early, it is one of the most treatable cancers.

Common signs and symptoms

• A new lump in the breast or underarm
• Change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
• Skin changes such as dimpling, redness, or an orange-peel texture
• Nipple discharge, retraction, or changes in the nipple area

Many breast lumps are not cancer, but any new change should be evaluated by a doctor without delay.

Diagnosis

Evaluation typically involves clinical examination, imaging (mammography and/or ultrasound, sometimes MRI), and a needle biopsy. The biopsy confirms the diagnosis and identifies the tumour’s receptor status (ER, PR, HER2), which guides treatment selection.

Treatment

Breast cancer treatment is planned by a multidisciplinary team and usually combines surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy. The medical oncologist plans and delivers the systemic component, which may include:

• Chemotherapy — before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumour, or after surgery (adjuvant) to reduce the risk of recurrence
• Hormone (endocrine) therapy — for hormone receptor–positive cancers
• Targeted therapy — such as anti-HER2 agents for HER2-positive disease
• Immunotherapy — for selected patients, based on tumour biology

Treatment is individualised based on the stage, tumour biology, and the patient’s overall health and preferences.