Breast cancer is not just a medical condition. For the person diagnosed — and for their family — it is a life-altering moment. Everything stops. Fear takes over. Questions flood in faster than answers can come.
But here is what every person facing a breast cancer diagnosis needs to hear first: breast cancer is the most treatable cancer when detected early. When found at Stage 1, the five-year survival rate is close to 99%. Even at Stage 2, it remains above 90%. Early detection, the right doctors, and the right treatment make an enormous difference — and that is exactly what this guide is here to help you understand.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women, accounting for 27% of all cancers in women. Every year, around 1.5 lakh new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in India, and the number is expected to increase in the coming years.
This complete guide covers everything about breast cancer — what it is, the different types, symptoms to watch for, causes and risk factors, how it is diagnosed, the stages, all treatment options, and how Doctor Visit Bangalore helps patients access the best breast cancer care in India.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease where the cells and tissues in the breast change and grow out of control. This extra growth can form a lump called a tumour. If the tumour keeps growing, it can spread to nearby breast tissue, reach the lymph nodes, and move to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer originates in the cells of the breasts and can develop in both men and women, although it is commonly found in women. It typically begins in the ducts or lobules of the breast.
Think of the breast as a network of milk ducts and milk-producing lobules, surrounded by fatty and connective tissue. When cells in any part of this network start growing abnormally and uncontrollably — that is breast cancer. These abnormal cells can form a lump, spread to nearby lymph nodes, and — in advanced cases — travel through the bloodstream to other organs like the lungs, liver, bones, or brain.
The good news is that around 99 in 100 women survive 5 years or more when breast cancer is caught early. Survival drops to about 87 in 100 if it spreads nearby, and to about 33 in 100 if it spreads further. This is why early detection is not just important — it is life-saving.
Types of Breast Cancer
Not all breast cancers are the same. Understanding the type of breast cancer is essential for planning the right treatment.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) — Stage 0
This is the earliest possible form of breast cancer. The abnormal cells are confined entirely within the milk ducts and have not spread to surrounding tissue. DCIS is non-invasive and highly curable with appropriate treatment. It is often found during routine mammogram screening before any lump can be felt.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
This is the most common type of breast cancer — accounting for approximately 70 to 80% of all breast cancer cases. It begins in the milk ducts but has broken through the duct walls and invaded the surrounding breast tissue. If not treated, it can spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
The second most common type after IDC. It begins in the milk-producing lobules of the breast. ILC can be harder to detect on mammogram because it often does not form a distinct lump — instead it causes a thickening or fullness in the breast tissue.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
This type of breast cancer tests negative for oestrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 protein — meaning it cannot be treated with hormone therapy or HER2-targeted therapy. It tends to be more aggressive and is more common in younger women and women of African descent. Chemotherapy is the primary systemic treatment.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
This type has higher-than-normal levels of the HER2 protein, which promotes cancer cell growth. It tends to be more aggressive than hormone receptor-positive cancers but responds well to targeted therapies like Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Pertuzumab.
Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer (ER+ / PR+)
The most common breast cancer subtype. These cancers are fuelled by oestrogen and/or progesterone. They generally grow more slowly and respond well to hormone therapy (anti-oestrogen treatments like Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors).
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
A rare but aggressive form of breast cancer that causes the breast to appear red, swollen, and warm — similar to an infection. It does not always cause a lump and is often missed or misdiagnosed. IBC accounts for about 1 to 5% of all breast cancer cases but requires urgent treatment.
Paget’s Disease of the Breast
A rare form of breast cancer that begins in the nipple and affects the areola. Symptoms include itching, scaling, redness, and sometimes discharge from the nipple. It is almost always associated with an underlying ductal carcinoma.
Male Breast Cancer
Though rare — accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases — men can also develop breast cancer. Because it is rare and often not thought of, it is frequently diagnosed at a later stage. The treatment approach is similar to female breast cancer.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer — What to Look For
Being the most common diagnosed cancer worldwide, breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality in women. Therefore, diagnosing it at early stage is the best remedy, as the survival rate for breast cancer is higher if detected and treated in early stages.
One of the biggest challenges with breast cancer is that early-stage disease often causes no symptoms at all. This is why regular screening — mammograms and breast self-examination — is so important. As the disease progresses, symptoms begin to appear.
Here are the symptoms to watch for:
A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit: This is the most common first sign. A breast cancer lump is usually hard, irregular in shape, and may not be painful. However, some lumps are soft or rounded, so any new lump should be evaluated by a doctor. A lump in the armpit (axilla) may indicate cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
Change in breast size or shape: One breast becoming noticeably larger or differently shaped than the other, or any unexplained change in the overall contour of the breast.
Skin changes on the breast: Dimpling, puckering, or indentation of the breast skin — often described as looking like the skin of an orange (peau d’orange). Redness, scaling, or thickening of the breast skin. Any visible change in skin texture.
Nipple changes: Nipple inversion (a nipple that was previously pointing out, now pointing in). Redness or scaling around the nipple. A rash on or around the nipple that does not resolve.
Nipple discharge: Any discharge from the nipple that is not breast milk — especially if it is bloodstained, occurs spontaneously (without squeezing), or only from one breast — should be evaluated promptly.
Breast pain: Most breast cancers are painless, but breast pain — particularly if it is new, persistent, and in one specific area — should not be ignored.
Swelling: Swelling of all or part of the breast, even if no lump is felt. This may be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.
Changes in Stage 3 breast cancer: Signs of stage 3 breast cancer are more significant and can spread to the nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Your breast may also appear swollen, or you might discover a large or hard lump, while the skin of your affected breast can become thicker and with visible redness. Pain in the breast, persistent fatigue and swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or collarbone are also common.
Important: Having any of these symptoms does not mean you have breast cancer. Many of these changes can be caused by benign conditions. But any new or unusual change in your breast should be evaluated by a doctor without delay.
Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer
The exact cause of breast cancer in any individual is rarely identifiable. What we do know is that breast cancer develops when cells in the breast acquire genetic mutations that cause them to grow abnormally. Several factors increase the likelihood of this happening.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (Things You Cannot Change)
Being female: The most significant risk factor. Women are approximately 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer than men, because they have far more breast tissue and are exposed to growth-promoting effects of oestrogen and progesterone.
Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 50. However, breast cancer does occur in younger women — including women in their 20s and 30s — so age alone should not give anyone a false sense of security.
Family history: Having a first-degree relative — mother, sister, or daughter — with breast cancer roughly doubles your risk. Having two first-degree relatives with breast cancer increases it further. However, most women who develop breast cancer have no family history.
Genetic mutations: Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increase the lifetime risk of breast cancer — by 50 to 85% for BRCA1 carriers and 40 to 85% for BRCA2 carriers. Other gene mutations including PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM also increase risk. Genetic testing can identify whether you carry these mutations.
Dense breast tissue: Women with dense breasts — where there is more glandular and fibrous tissue relative to fat — have a higher risk of breast cancer. Dense tissue also makes it harder to detect cancer on a mammogram.
Personal history of breast cancer or certain benign conditions: A woman who has had breast cancer in one breast has a higher risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast or in a different part of the same breast. Certain benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions, such as atypical hyperplasia, also increase risk.
Early menstruation or late menopause: Starting menstruation before age 12 or going through menopause after age 55 means the breasts are exposed to oestrogen and progesterone for a longer period — increasing cancer risk.
Never having been pregnant, or first pregnancy after 30: Women who have never been pregnant or who first gave birth after age 30 have a slightly higher risk than women who had their first child before 30.
Modifiable Risk Factors (Things You Can Influence)
Alcohol consumption: Certain lifestyle and environmental factors may further increase the risk. These include alcohol use, obesity (especially after menopause), smoking, limited physical activity, and prior radiation exposure to the chest. Alcohol is one of the most consistently identified modifiable risk factors — even moderate consumption increases risk.
Obesity and overweight: Particularly after menopause, being overweight or obese significantly increases breast cancer risk. Fat tissue produces oestrogen, and higher oestrogen levels after menopause fuel hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Combined HRT — using both oestrogen and progesterone — taken after menopause for several years increases breast cancer risk. Oestrogen-only HRT has a smaller effect.
Oral contraceptives: Some research suggests a small increased risk with current use of oral contraceptive pills, which returns to normal after stopping.
Lack of physical activity: Regular physical activity reduces breast cancer risk — particularly in postmenopausal women.
Radiation exposure: Women who received radiation therapy to the chest area — for example, for Hodgkin’s lymphoma — before age 30 have a significantly higher risk of breast cancer.
Stages of Breast Cancer
Staging tells your doctor how far the cancer has spread and guides treatment decisions. Breast cancer is staged from 0 to 4:
Stage 0 — DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
Abnormal cells are present inside the milk ducts but have not spread into surrounding breast tissue. This is the earliest, most treatable form. Sometimes called pre-cancer or non-invasive cancer. Survival rate: nearly 100%.
Stage 1 — Early Breast Cancer
Stage 1A: The tumour is 2 cm or smaller and has not spread to lymph nodes. Stage 1B: Small cancer cells found in nearby lymph nodes, and either no tumour in the breast or a tumour smaller than 2 cm. Five-year survival rate: approximately 99%.
Stage 2 — Localised Breast Cancer
Stage 2A: The tumour is 2 cm or smaller and has spread to 1 to 3 axillary lymph nodes, OR the tumour is 2 to 5 cm with no lymph node involvement. Stage 2B: The tumour is 2 to 5 cm and has spread to 1 to 3 axillary lymph nodes, OR the tumour is larger than 5 cm with no lymph node involvement. Five-year survival rate: approximately 86 to 90%.
Stage 3 — Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
The cancer is larger or has spread to more lymph nodes or nearby tissue but has not spread to distant organs. Stage 3 breast cancer signs are more significant — the breast may appear swollen, with a large or hard lump, while the skin can become thicker with visible redness. Stage 3A: Cancer has spread to 4 to 9 axillary lymph nodes. Stage 3B: Cancer has spread to the chest wall or breast skin. Stage 3C: Cancer has spread to 10 or more axillary lymph nodes or lymph nodes near the collarbone. Five-year survival rate: approximately 40 to 86%.
Stage 4 — Metastatic Breast Cancer
The cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to distant organs — most commonly the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. This is the most advanced stage. Treatment at this stage focuses on controlling the cancer, managing symptoms, and maintaining quality of life for as long as possible. Five-year survival rate: approximately 28 to 30%, though many patients live significantly longer with modern treatments.
How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
Self examination of breast is very important in detecting early breast cancer. Usually doctors don’t examine breast for all the patients and hence it can be missed on diagnosis.
Breast cancer diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging tests and tissue biopsy. Here is the complete diagnostic pathway:
Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel is the foundation of early detection. Examine your breasts monthly — look for any lumps, skin changes, or nipple changes. Any new change should be reported to your doctor promptly. Self-examination does not replace professional screening but is an important complementary habit.
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)
A doctor or trained nurse physically examines the breasts and lymph nodes for any abnormalities. This should be part of every routine health check-up.
Mammogram
A low-dose X-ray of the breast that can detect lumps and abnormalities before they can be felt. Mammograms evolved as one of the most effective tools for detecting early-stage breast cancers and microcalcifications, even when these are too small to be felt and detected. Screening mammograms are recommended annually for women over 40, or earlier if you have risk factors. Diagnostic mammograms are done when a lump or abnormality has been found.
Breast Ultrasound
Uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue. Particularly useful for evaluating lumps in younger women whose breast tissue is denser, and for determining whether a lump is solid (potentially cancerous) or fluid-filled (cyst — usually benign). Often used alongside mammogram.
Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Provides highly detailed images of the breast. Used in high-risk women for screening, to evaluate the extent of cancer before surgery, to check the other breast, or when mammogram and ultrasound results are inconclusive.
Biopsy
In a biopsy, a sample of breast cells is removed and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer is present. This is the definitive method for diagnosing breast cancer. Several types of biopsy are used:
Core needle biopsy: The most common type — a hollow needle removes small cylinders of tissue from the suspicious area. Usually done under ultrasound or mammogram guidance. Provides enough tissue for full pathological analysis including receptor status.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA): A thin needle is used to withdraw cells or fluid. Useful for evaluating lumps and cysts but provides less tissue than core biopsy.
Surgical biopsy (excisional biopsy): A surgeon removes the entire lump or a portion of it. Usually done when needle biopsy results are inconclusive.
Receptor and HER2 Testing
Once breast cancer is confirmed, the tumour is tested for oestrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and HER2 protein. These results — along with the tumour grade — determine the subtype of breast cancer and guide the choice of treatment. This is one of the most important tests in breast cancer management.
Staging Investigations
Once breast cancer is diagnosed, additional tests determine the stage:
- PET-CT scan or bone scan to check for spread to distant organs
- CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis
- Blood tests including tumour markers, liver function, and complete blood count
Breast Cancer Treatment Options
The treatment of breast cancer depends on the stage of breast cancer. No two patients are exactly the same, and treatment and responses to treatment can vary a lot.
Breast cancer treatment has advanced dramatically in recent years. Most patients receive a combination of treatments — surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy — planned by a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
1. Surgery
Surgery is usually the first treatment for breast cancer. There are two main surgical options:
Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery): Only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue are removed, leaving the rest of the breast intact. When followed by radiation therapy, lumpectomy is just as effective as mastectomy for most early-stage breast cancers. Most women with early-stage cancer are candidates for this approach.
Mastectomy: The entire breast is removed. A simple mastectomy removes only the breast tissue. A modified radical mastectomy removes the breast and some axillary lymph nodes. A bilateral mastectomy removes both breasts — sometimes chosen by women with BRCA mutations or very high risk.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: During surgery, the first lymph node(s) that drain the breast — called sentinel nodes — are removed and checked for cancer. If they are clear, the remaining lymph nodes do not need to be removed.
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: If the sentinel node contains cancer, additional lymph nodes in the armpit may be removed.
Oncoplastic Reconstruction: Combines cancer removal with plastic surgery techniques to reshape the breast and maintain a natural appearance after surgery.
2. Radiation Therapy
High-energy X-rays or other radiation are used to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
External beam radiation: The most common type — a machine delivers radiation to the breast from outside the body. Typically given 5 days a week for 3 to 6 weeks.
Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT): A single dose of radiation is delivered directly to the tumour site during surgery.
Brachytherapy (internal radiation): Radioactive seeds are placed inside the breast tissue near the tumour site.
3. Chemotherapy
Drugs are used to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Chemotherapy can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant).
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (before surgery) is increasingly used to shrink tumours before removal — sometimes allowing a lumpectomy in patients who would otherwise need a mastectomy. It also gives doctors important information about how the cancer responds to treatment.
Adjuvant chemotherapy (after surgery) is given to reduce the risk of cancer returning by destroying any cancer cells that may have been missed.
Chemotherapy is typically given in cycles — a period of treatment followed by a rest period. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and increased susceptibility to infection — though modern supportive medications have significantly improved side effect management.
4. Hormone Therapy (Endocrine Therapy)
Used for hormone receptor-positive (ER+ or PR+) breast cancers. These treatments block the effect of oestrogen on cancer cells or reduce oestrogen levels in the body — depriving the cancer cells of the hormone they need to grow.
Tamoxifen: Blocks oestrogen receptors in breast cancer cells. Used in both pre and postmenopausal women. Taken as a daily tablet for 5 to 10 years.
Aromatase inhibitors (Letrozole, Anastrozole, Exemestane): Reduce oestrogen production in the body. Used primarily in postmenopausal women.
Ovarian suppression: In premenopausal women with high-risk cancers, the ovaries may be temporarily or permanently suppressed to reduce oestrogen levels.
5. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies attack specific molecules or pathways that cancer cells depend on — while causing less damage to normal cells than chemotherapy.
HER2-targeted therapies: For HER2-positive breast cancers — Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Pertuzumab, and Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) are among the most important advances in breast cancer treatment in recent decades, dramatically improving outcomes for HER2+ disease.
CDK4/6 inhibitors: Palbociclib, Ribociclib, and Abemaciclib are used for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer — often in combination with hormone therapy.
PARP inhibitors: For patients with BRCA1/2 mutations and metastatic breast cancer — Olaparib and Talazoparib block an enzyme that cancer cells need to repair their DNA.
Immunotherapy: Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is approved for triple-negative breast cancer in combination with chemotherapy.
6. CAR-T Cell Therapy
One of the most cutting-edge developments in cancer treatment. CAR-T involves taking a patient’s own immune cells, genetically modifying them in a laboratory to recognise and attack cancer cells, and then infusing them back. India has developed its own CAR-T cell therapy — NexCAR19 — at approximately 10% of the global price. CAR-T is currently used mainly for blood cancers but research is ongoing for solid tumours including breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Survival Rates in India
According to various reports, the post cancer survival rate for Indian women with breast cancer is 60%, as opposed to 80% in the US women. Due to inadequate awareness about early detection and diagnosis, women in India have such a low breast cancer survival rate.
This gap is not because treatment in India is poor — it is because too many Indian women are diagnosed at Stage 3 or Stage 4, when the cancer has already spread significantly. When detected early, India’s top cancer hospitals achieve survival rates that match global standards.
This is the single most important reason to be aware of symptoms, perform regular self-examination, and attend screening mammograms.
Prevention and Early Detection
While breast cancer cannot always be prevented, there are meaningful steps you can take to reduce your risk and maximise your chances of early detection:
Maintain a healthy weight: Particularly important after menopause. Excess body fat produces oestrogen which fuels hormone-sensitive breast cancers.
Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Exercise reduces breast cancer risk and improves outcomes for those already diagnosed.
Limit alcohol: Even moderate alcohol consumption increases breast cancer risk. If you drink, keep it to a minimum.
Breastfeed if possible: Breastfeeding for a year or more slightly reduces breast cancer risk.
Know your family history: If you have close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, discuss genetic testing and enhanced screening with your doctor.
Monthly self-examination: Examine your breasts every month. Know how they normally look and feel. Report any change to your doctor promptly.
Regular mammograms: Women over 40 should have annual mammograms. Women with high risk factors should start earlier. Timely diagnosis of the disease through clinical breast examinations or mammography improves the chances of successful treatment and substantially elongates the probability of survival.
Breast Cancer Treatment in Bangalore — Best Hospitals
Bangalore has some of India’s most experienced and well-equipped breast cancer treatment centres:
HCG Cancer Hospitals Bangalore — India’s largest dedicated cancer network with multiple locations in Bangalore. HCG specialises exclusively in oncology — every doctor, every piece of technology is focused entirely on cancer care. Advanced radiation therapy, robotic surgery, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy all available.
Apollo Hospitals Bangalore — Has a comprehensive breast oncology programme with experienced surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists working as a multidisciplinary team. JCI-accredited with dedicated international patient services.
Fortis Hospital Bangalore — Strong surgical and medical oncology departments with experienced breast cancer specialists and a multidisciplinary tumour board approach.
Manipal Hospitals Bangalore — Dedicated cancer care centres with experienced oncology teams and comprehensive breast cancer treatment including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery.
Aster CMI Hospital Bangalore — Ranked #1 in Bangalore, Aster CMI has a comprehensive oncology department with experienced breast cancer specialists and advanced treatment options.
How Doctor Visit Bangalore Can Help
Whether you are in Bangalore, another city in India, or coming from abroad — Doctor Visit Bangalore connects you with the right breast cancer specialist quickly and easily. We help patients from Nigeria, Kenya, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and across India access the best breast cancer care in India.
We help with:
- Free oncologist consultation and second opinion
- Hospital and specialist recommendation based on your cancer type and stage
- Transparent cost estimate within 24 hours
- Medical visa assistance for international patients
- Airport pickup and accommodation near the hospital
- Treatment coordination throughout chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation
- Post-treatment remote follow-up support
Our service is completely free to start. Contact us today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer
What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow abnormally and uncontrollably, forming a tumour. It can develop in the milk ducts, the milk-producing lobules, or other breast tissue. It is the most common cancer in Indian women, accounting for 27% of all female cancers in India.
What are the first signs of breast cancer? The most common early sign is a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit. Other early signs include changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or puckering, nipple inversion or discharge, or redness and scaling of the nipple or breast skin. Many early breast cancers cause no symptoms at all — which is why regular mammogram screening is essential.
Is breast cancer curable? Early-stage breast cancer is highly curable. Stage 1 breast cancer has a five-year survival rate of close to 99%. Stage 2 is approximately 86 to 90%. Even Stage 3 is often treated successfully with aggressive treatment. Stage 4 (metastatic) breast cancer is not currently curable but is often manageable for many years with modern treatments.
What causes breast cancer? The exact cause is not fully understood. Breast cancer develops when breast cells acquire genetic mutations that cause abnormal growth. Risk factors include age, being female, family history, BRCA gene mutations, dense breast tissue, hormone exposure, obesity, alcohol, and lack of physical activity.
How is breast cancer diagnosed? Diagnosis involves mammogram, breast ultrasound, and sometimes MRI. If an abnormality is found, a biopsy is performed — a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. This is the only definitive way to confirm a breast cancer diagnosis.
What are the stages of breast cancer? Breast cancer is staged from 0 to 4. Stage 0 (DCIS) means abnormal cells are present but have not spread. Stage 1 is a small tumour confined to the breast. Stage 2 is a larger tumour or small spread to lymph nodes. Stage 3 is locally advanced. Stage 4 means the cancer has spread to distant organs.
What is triple negative breast cancer? Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type that tests negative for oestrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 protein. It cannot be treated with hormone therapy or HER2-targeted drugs. It tends to be more aggressive and chemotherapy is the main systemic treatment. New immunotherapy options have improved outcomes significantly.
What is HER2-positive breast cancer? HER2-positive breast cancer has excess HER2 protein which drives cancer cell growth. It tends to be more aggressive but responds well to targeted therapies including Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and Pertuzumab. HER2-positive patients have seen dramatically improved survival rates with modern targeted therapies.
What is the difference between lumpectomy and mastectomy? Lumpectomy removes only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue, preserving the breast. Mastectomy removes the entire breast. For most early-stage breast cancers, lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy is just as effective as mastectomy. Your surgeon will discuss which is most appropriate based on tumour size, location, and your personal preference.
Does breast cancer always cause a lump? No. While a lump is the most common sign, some types of breast cancer — particularly inflammatory breast cancer and lobular carcinoma — may not cause a palpable lump. Changes in skin, nipple, or breast shape can also be signs of cancer without a lump being present.
Can men get breast cancer? Yes, though it is rare — accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. Men have small amounts of breast tissue and can develop breast cancer. Because it is rarely thought of in men, it is often diagnosed at a later stage. Any breast lump in a man should be evaluated by a doctor.
What is the survival rate of breast cancer in India? The overall survival rate for breast cancer in India is approximately 60%, compared to 80% in the US — largely because many Indian women are diagnosed at a later stage. However, women diagnosed at Stage 1 in India’s top cancer centres have survival rates approaching 99%.
Can breast cancer be prevented? Breast cancer cannot always be prevented, but risk can be significantly reduced by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, breastfeeding, and avoiding unnecessary hormone therapy. Regular screening with mammograms and monthly self-examination help detect cancer early when it is most treatable.
How often should I have a mammogram? Women over 40 should have an annual mammogram. Women with higher risk — family history of breast cancer, BRCA gene mutations, or dense breast tissue — should discuss starting screening earlier with their doctor. Monthly breast self-examination is recommended for all women from age 20.
What is the cost of breast cancer treatment in India? The cost varies widely depending on the type of cancer, stage, and treatment required. A lumpectomy may cost ₹80,000 to ₹2,00,000. A full course of chemotherapy costs ₹2,50,000 to ₹15,00,000. Targeted therapy like Herceptin adds ₹3,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 for a full course. Radiation therapy costs ₹2,00,000 to ₹6,00,000. Contact Doctor Visit Bangalore for a personalised cost estimate based on your specific diagnosis.
Is it safe to travel to India for breast cancer treatment? Yes — thousands of international patients travel to India every year for breast cancer treatment. India’s top cancer hospitals are internationally accredited, use the same treatment protocols as leading Western centres, and offer treatment at 70 to 85% lower cost. Doctor Visit Bangalore helps international patients navigate the entire process.
You Are Not Alone in This Fight
A breast cancer diagnosis is one of the most frightening moments of any person’s life. But it does not have to be faced alone — and it does not have to define the rest of your story.
India’s breast cancer specialists are among the most skilled in the world. The treatments available today are more effective and better tolerated than ever before. And early-stage breast cancer — caught before it has spread — is very often completely curable.
Whether you are looking for a first opinion, a second opinion, the best surgeon, or the most affordable treatment — Doctor Visit Bangalore is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today. Your fight starts here — and we are with you.
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