Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting the world and continues to be a significant health problem for millions of women annually. The introduction of new early detection, precision diagnostic tools, targeted therapies and multidisciplinary cancer care has led to better treatment outcomes and survival.
Treatment options for breast cancer vary depending on the stage and type of the cancer, and may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and/or immunotherapy.
India has become one of the top countries to receive breast cancer treatment, with its trained oncologists, advanced cancer centres, cutting-edge facilities, and services for international patients.
This article will give you a general idea about the breast cancer, available treatment options, advanced technologies which are available in the field of breast cancer treatment and last but not least, how international patients can benefit from getting themselves treated in India about breast cancer.
Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in the breast develop and grow in an uncontrolled manner and form a tumour. Although mainly affecting women, it can also happen in men. Breast cancer is very treatable if caught in its early stages, and treatment can be successful in many cases, allowing the patient to live a normal and productive life.
Today treatment plans for cancer are not just about killing the cancer; they are about maintaining a patient appearance, emotional state, quality of life and long-term health. Today, patients have more effective treatment options available than ever before, as they are treated through personalized treatment plans and multidisciplinary care.
The breast consists of ducts, lobules, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels and lymphatics. The most likely place for breast cancer to develop is the milk ducts or lobules.
Cancer cells can be found in the breast or in the bloodstream or in the lymphatic system, where they may travel to other organs or to the surrounding lymph nodes. Treatment depends on the stage, grade and biology of the cancer.
Breast cancer is not one disease. Breast cancer can affect different types of tissue and behave in different ways, invade different tissues at different rate and may need different treatment methods. It is important to determine the exact cancer type, as this will help to form an effective treatment plan.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) is non-invasive breast cancer that is made up of abnormal cells in the milk duct that have not spread into the breast tissue.
Due to its early onset, DCIS is often highly treatable, and is regarded as a form of early breast cancer, that is diagnosed through routine screening.
The most prevalent form of breast cancer is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, responsible for some 70-80% of cases. It starts in the milk ducts and slowly spreads to the surrounding breast tissue. In its untreated form, it can invade the lymph nodes and other organs.
Treatment is typically a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of the above.
This type of cancer starts in the lobules where the breast makes milk, and then spreads into the tissue of the breast.
On regular imaging, Invasive Lobular Carcinoma may be harder to see because it tends to grow in a scattered fashion, rather than as a single lump.
The HER2 protein is present in excess in breast cancer cells that have HER2-positive breast cancer. Luckily, there are a few effective targeted treatments that target cancer cells that are HER2-positive, which can vastly enhance treatment results.
Breast cancer that is HER2-positive is caused by an overproduction of the HER2 protein, which makes tumours grow more quickly. Luckily, there are several highly effective targeted therapies available that specifically treat HER2-positive cancer cells, and vastly enhance treatment success rates.
There is a lack of expression of oestrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 protein in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. It is more aggressive than other subtypes and may be faster growing and spreading. The treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a rare, but very serious and aggressive type of breast cancer that leads to redness, swelling, warmth and thickening of the breast skin. Early diagnosis is especially important due to the fact that the symptoms may be similar to those of an infection.
Metastatic Breast Cancer is cancer that develops in other parts of the body, like the bones, liver, lungs or brain, which are not located in the breast or in the local lymph nodes.
Treatment for breast cancer is personalized and depends on the type of breast cancer, a tumour stage, size, involvement of the lymph nodes, hormone receptor status, HER2 status, overall health, and the patient preferences.
Usually these patients will be treated with a combination of treatments to get the best results.
Breast-Conserving Surgery is the removal of the cancerous tumour and a small amount of healthy tissue around it while keeping most of the breast remaining.
This is a procedure that may be suggested for women with early-stage breast cancer who should typically receive radiation therapy after the procedure to lower the chance of the cancer returning.
Sometimes a mastectomy is necessary, when the tumour is large, when there are several tumours in the breast, if the breast cancer recurs, or in some high-risk patients.
Depending on the clinical situation, surgeons may perform skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy techniques.
Post mastectomy reconstruction can take place right after the mastectomy or later. Reconstruction could include implants or tissue from the patient and can restore breast appearance, body image and the patient’s confidence after cancer treatment.
This process is used to see if the cancer has grown to the neighbouring lymph nodes. Doctors remove and check a few sentinel lymph nodes to help them accurately stage the disease without having to take too much tissue out of the body.
In some cases, more lymph nodes under the arm will need to be removed if the cancer has already spread to more than one node, to lower the chance of more cancer spreading and to help plan treatment.
Chemotherapy is powerful drugs that kill cancer cells all over the body. It can be administered before the surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumours, or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to lower the chances of recurrence.
Radiation therapy involves high-energy beams that are used to kill any cancer cells that do not have been removed during surgery.
It is a strong protective against local recurrence and is regularly recommended after breast conserving surgery.
Hormone therapy can be used in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer to inhibit the action of oestrogen or reduce the amount of hormones in the body.
These treatments lower the chance of cancer coming back and also help to gain better long-term survival.
One form of targeted therapy involves targeting certain proteins or genetic abnormalities in cancer cells.
Cancer cells that are positive for HER2 are often treated with targeted drugs that specifically target cancer cells, sparing healthy cells.
Immunotherapy enables your body’s immune system to identify and target cancer cells. It can be especially useful for certain women with triple negative and/or advanced breast cancer and could be combined with chemotherapy treatment.
The recent advancement in molecular testing and genomic profiling enables oncologists to target treatment strategies to the specific qualities of the cancer in each patient. This customized treatment achieves best outcomes and minimal side effects.
As with any significant medical care, there can be some risks and side effects involved with breast cancer treatments. Risk of complications will depend on the individual’s health, the stage of the cancer, the form of treatment and other factors. A multidisciplinary team closely manages patients during the course of treatment to reduce risks and manage complications effectively.
The surgery to remove breast cancer is normally safe, but there are potential complications such as
Patients who have had a lymph node removed or radiation treatment may experience lymphedema, which is swelling of the arm, hand or chest caused by a lack of lymphatic drainage.
The effects are typically temporary and will improve over time following treatment.
These side effects can be successfully managed with regular monitoring.
While targeted therapies are more effective at hitting the cancer cells, there are some side effects that may occur, including,
In rare instances, the immune system reacts to the immunotherapy and attacks healthy tissue, causing
Side effects are rare and closely monitored by cancer experts.
However, after treatment, there is a chance that breast cancer could return. Follow-up and imaging and continued monitoring have a significant role in early detection and long-term survivorship care.
We have a multidisciplinary team of surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, reconstructive surgeons and oncology nurses providing personalized care.
Patients receive comprehensive cancer services diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and rehabilitation.
Patients are treated with breast conserving and oncoplastic surgery to ensure optimal cancer control and maintain breast appearance whenever possible.
Advanced breast reconstruction will restore confidence and quality of life after breast surgery.
Each treatment is tailored to the individual and to the type, stage and goals of the cancer.
A dedicated coordinator takes care of travel arrangements, medical visas, accommodation, interpreters and treatment and follow up appointments.
These technologies help to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Yes. Breast reconstruction surgery may be possible immediately after the mastectomy or at a later time. Depending on the individual suitability, reconstruction could be done with silicone implants or with the patient’s own tissue.
It will depend on the stage of cancer, size of the tumor, involvement of lymph nodes and results of the pathology. Your multi-disciplinary cancer team will advise you on the best treatment for your cancer.
The length of treatment depends on individual patients. A hospital stay is usually short for surgery, and sometimes chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be needed for a few weeks or months, depending on your individualized treatment plan, and may be continued in the hospital.
If diagnosed in early stages, the prognosis for breast cancer is good and many will survive. Treatment results will vary based on the stage of the cancer, the nature of the tumour and the patient’s health and the response to the treatment.
The hair loss is typically experienced with chemotherapy but not with surgery, radiation alone, hormone therapy or many targeted therapies. Your oncologist will discuss your treatment plan in detail and what side effects may occur.
The length of a patient’s hospital stay is dependent on the kind of surgery performed and the rate of recovery – the average length stays in the hospital 1-3 days.
Yes. Share your medical history, biopsy reports and imaging scans with our experts. Our multidisciplinary breast cancer team will examine your case and give you an expert second opinion and a treatment plan that is tailored to you.
Travel will be dependent on the nature of the surgery, how he or she is progressing in recovery, and if any other treatments are used. Your treating physician will let you know when it’s safe to go home.
Yes. You should see your doctor regularly during recovery to identify a recurrence early, to help check side effects of treatment and to help maintain your health. Continuing follow-up will be possible via telemedicine consultations for international patients.
You will not feel pain while undergoing surgery, it is done under general anaesthetic. There will be some discomfort following surgery but this should be well controlled with medications and supportive care.
Many patients are successfully treated, however, breast cancer may recur. This can be minimized with regular examinations, imaging, and through proper treatments, and it can be caught early if it returns.
Our International Patient Services staff provide medical visa support, appointment scheduling, Airport pickup and accommodation, interpreter services, treatment coordinating, cost estimates and telemedicine follow-up services after your return home.
Yes. Once you’ve read your medical reports, we give you a comprehensive treatment plan and an estimated cost so you can plan your medical journey with confidence.
Yes. Family members and/or caregivers can accompany you. We will help them prepare for the Medical Attendant Visa, support with accommodations and other travel support.
Pack your passport, medical visa (if applicable), recent medical reports, biopsy, imaging scans, current medication and any prior treatment records before traveling. Your paperwork will be explained to you by our international patient staff prior to your arrival.
The breast cancer treatment in India is given at a highly cost-effective rate in comparison to many other countries, with experienced breast surgeons, expertise in the field of breast cancer, advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, modern hospitals, comprehensive rehabilitation services, personalized patient care, and more.
Breast cancer treatment is providing patients with more targeted, effective and less invasive treatment options. With high-tech diagnostics and advanced multidisciplinary treatment, targeted therapies, and holistic support services, patients today enjoy increased chances of successful results and a better quality of life.
India has excellent cancer care services, with access to top-notch facilities, innovative healthcare technologies, compassionate care, and extensive after-treatment support, making it a safe option for international patients seeking breast cancer treatment.
Category : Breast Cancer Treatment
