How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Breast cancer diagnosis usually begins with a clinical breast examination to check for lumps or changes in the breast or skin. If the doctor suspects breast cancer, tests such as mammography, breast ultrasound, or breast MRI may be recommended to examine the breast tissue in detail. A biopsy can be performed to determine whether abnormal cells are cancerous.

Additional tests such as blood tests, CT scans, MRI, bone scans, or PET scans may be used to determine the stage of breast cancer.

Types of Breast Cancer and Their Treatment

Treatment plans for breast cancer are tailored to each individual, depending on the specific type of tumour. Here is a summary of the breast cancer treatment options:

Type of Breast Cancer Treatment
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Surgeries like lumpectomy, mastectomy, or lymph node removal, along with estrogen blocker therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Surgeries like lumpectomy or mastectomy, along with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Mastectomy, along with neoadjuvant therapy, and adjuvant therapy.
Paget's Disease of the Breast Minimally invasive breast surgery, mastectomy or breast reconstruction surgery, along with radiation, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy.

Breast Cancer Treatment for Different Stages

Breast cancer treatment changes based on the stage, which helps doctors on the best combination of therapies. Take a look at treatments recommended for different stages of breast cancer:

Stage Treatment
Stage 0: Non-Invasive Breast Cancer or Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery), adjuvant radiation therapy, or endocrine therapy.
Stage I and II: Early-Stage Breast Cancer Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB), lumpectomy or mastectomy, along with adjuvant therapy or chemotherapy.
Stage III: Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Mastectomy with lymph node dissection, along with neoadjuvant therapy, radiation, or targeted therapy.
Stage IV: Metastatic Breast Cancer Targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, along with palliative care and advanced clinical trials.

Surgical Treatments for Breast Cancer

Doctors may recommend the following surgical treatments, depending on the stage and growth of the breast cancer:

  1. Lumpectomy In this operation, only the cancerous lump or tumour is removed, leaving the healthy breast tissue untouched. It is usually used for early-stage breast cancer. It is less invasive than a mastectomy.

  2. Mastectomy The entire breast is removed during this surgery. In some cases, both breasts may also be removed. If necessary, nearby tissues in the chest or other affected areas can also be surgically removed.

  3. Breast Reconstruction Surgery This procedure is performed to restore the shape and appearance of the breast after cancer surgery. The surgeon may use breast implants, the patient's own tissue, or a combination of both to give the area a normal appearance.

  4. Lymph Node Surgery In some cases, lymph node surgeries like sentinel node biopsy and lymphadenectomy are performed to remove lymph nodes near the affected breast or in the armpit area.

Other Treatments for Breast Cancer

The following treatments may be recommended along with surgery to control the growth and advancement of breast cancer:

  1. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to destroy cancer cells, usually given through a vein or sometimes as tablets. It may be used before or after surgery or to control cancer that has spread and relieve symptoms such as pain.

  2. Radiation Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams to destroy cancer cells that may remain after surgery. It is often given after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

  3. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It works by helping immune cells overcome the mechanisms cancer cells use to hide from the immune system.

  4. Hormone Therapy Hormone therapy uses medicines that block hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can fuel certain breast cancers. It may be used after other treatments to reduce recurrence risk or to control cancer that has spread.

  5. Targeted Therapy Targeted therapy uses medicines that focus on specific proteins, like HER2, or distinct changes inside cancer cells. By attacking these targets, the treatment stops the cells from growing or causes them to die.

  6. Palliative Care Palliative care is used particularly in advanced cancer to relieve pain and other symptoms and improve quality of life. It can be provided alongside treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Oral Medicines for Breast Cancer

The following oral medicines may be prescribed depending on the type, stage, and specific characteristics of breast cancer:

  • Hormone Therapy Medicines: Tamoxifen, letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane, and fulvestrant may be used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

  • HER2-Targeted Therapy Medicines: Oral medicines such as tucatinib and neratinib may be used for selected HER2-positive breast cancers.

  • CDK4/6 Inhibitors: Palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib help slow cancer cell division and are commonly combined with hormone therapy.

  • PARP Inhibitors: Olaparib and talazoparib may be prescribed for eligible patients, particularly those with inherited BRCA mutations.

  • Chemotherapy Medicines: Oral chemotherapy medicines such as capecitabine may be used in certain breast cancer cases.

  • Immunotherapy Drugs: Pembrolizumab may be used in selected cases under immunotherapy, particularly certain triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC).

  • Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Medicines such as trastuzumab emtansine, trastuzumab deruxtecan, and sacituzumab govitecan deliver anti-cancer medicine directly to cancer cells.

Note: You must follow the advice of a qualified medical care provider when undergoing systemic treatment for breast cancer.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Breast Cancer

The following Ayurvedic and complementary approaches may be used alongside ongoing medical treatment for breast cancer to support overall well-being and manage treatment-related symptoms:

  • Panchakarma: This Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation approach includes therapies such as Abhyanga (oil massage) and Basti (herbal enemas) and may help with weakness and overall well-being.

  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: This therapy delivers oxygen under increased pressure to support tissue healing and repair and may help manage certain side effects of cancer treatment.

  • Pranayama: Deep-breathing exercises can promote relaxation and emotional well-being, help manage fatigue and support comfortable breathing.

Disclaimer: Ayurvedic and alternative therapies must be taken under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.

Home Care for Managing Breast Cancer

Here are a few home care tips to manage breast cancer recovery:

  • Use supportive pillows and take pain-relief medicines as advised by your doctor.

  • Sponge bathe only until doctor clears full showering.

  • Get plenty of rest and avoid activities that strain your body.

  • Keep the surgical site clean and check for any redness, swelling or discharge.

  • Empty fluid bulbs daily and record output securely.

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing to reduce irritation after surgery.

  • Avoid lifting heavy objects or doing strenuous activities.

  • Do not skip prescribed medicines or physiotherapy exercises.

Latest Treatment for Breast Cancer in India

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising breast cancer diagnosis by detecting minute changes in the breast tissue that are difficult to observe visually. AI-powered analysis of mammograms may improve detection accuracy and facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment. Artificial intelligence can also help to personalise treatment regimens based on genetic profiles, medical history and tumour characteristics.


Genomic testing is another advancement in the field of breast cancer treatment. It identifies genetic changes in the patients to make more accurate and tailored treatment decisions. Similarly, a new type of blood test called 'liquid biopsy' can help detect genetic alterations in a cancer. It helps the doctors in monitoring the cancer as it changes and responds to treatment.

How Long Does Breast Cancer Treatment Take?

Here is an estimate of the treatment and recovery duration of different breast cancer treatments:

Treatment Duration
Lumpectomy Recovery: 2 weeks
Mastectomy Recovery: 3 weeks or more
Chemotherapy Treatment: 3 to 6 months, and in rare cases up to 1 year
Radiation Treatment: 4 to 5 sessions per week for up to 6 weeks
Hormone Therapy Treatment: 5 years or more
Immunotherapy Treatment: Up to 1 year
Targeted Therapy Treatment: 1 to 1.5 years

Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Breast cancer treatments may cause the following side effects:

  • Weight fluctuations (loss or gain, both possible)

  • Nausea

  • Mouth sores

  • Vomiting

  • Anxiety

  • Pain

  • Diarrhoea

  • Hair loss

  • Inability to sleep (insomnia)

  • Feeling tired and weak

  • Arm or chest swelling (lymphedema)

  • Memory problems or brain fog (chemo brain)

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Breast Cancer

The simple lifestyle modifications mentioned below can help in managing breast cancer symptoms and treatment side effects:

  • Avoid drinking alcohol.

  • Quit smoking.

  • Stay physically active and consider gentle exercises such as yoga.

  • Take care of your mental health through therapy, self-care, and relaxation activities.

  • Follow a healthy and nutritious diet.

  • Try to lose excess weight if you are overweight.

  • Protect your skin and avoid sun overexposure.

  • Limit processed foods and added sugars.

  • Adequate intake of Calcium and Vitamin D for bone density.

Triggers that Can Worsen Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The factors listed below can contribute to the progression of breast cancer or worsen its symptoms:

  • Unhealthy habits such as smoking, tobacco use of any kind, or excessive alcohol consumption.

  • Being overweight

  • High emotional stress

  • High consumption of dietary fat

  • Radiation exposure

Breast Cancer Treatment Cost

The cost of treating breast cancer in India can range from ₹2 lakh to ₹15 lakh in most cases. If doctors recommend treatments like immunotherapy and targeted therapy, the cost may exceed ₹25 lakh.

Diagnostic costs for breast cancer include standard screening mammogram (₹1,600 to ₹12,700), a diagnostic mammogram (₹2,500 to ₹13,000), guided biopsy (₹5,000 to ₹13,000), guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) (₹2,200 to ₹5,000), and wire localisation (₹7,000 to ₹16,000).

Does Health Insurance Cover Breast Cancer Treatment in India?

Yes, many health insurance policies in India cover breast cancer treatment. Coverage includes hospitalisation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and other eligible treatment costs, may be covered.

Some insurers cover breast cancer treatment through cancer insurance plans or critical illness insurance. These provide lump-sum payment when the disease is diagnosed which patients can use for treatment or other expenses. However, a waiting period of up to 90 days and a survival period of up to 30 days is applicable.

A health insurance coverage of at least ₹25 lakh to ₹30 lakh is recommended to help manage the overall cost of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and supportive therapies.

Disclaimer: As coverage terms can vary between policies, read the policy documents carefully before buying health insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Q1. Can breast cancer be cured?

    Ans: Yes, breast cancer can be cured with surgery and supportive treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, especially if it is diagnosed within its early stages.

  • Q2. What is the most successful treatment for breast cancer?

    Ans: The most successful breast cancer treatment plan for cancer includes surgical treatments like lumpectomy and mastectomy (partial or full removal of breast), along with chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and other treatments.

  • Q3. Can you live a long, healthy life after breast cancer?

    Ans: Yes, it is possible to live a healthy and long life after recovering from breast cancer. The chances of recovery and healthy living are higher if the cancer is detected and treated early.

  • Q4. What is the cost of breast cancer treatment?

    Ans: The cost of treating breast cancer in India can range from ₹2 lakh to ₹25 lakh or more, depending on the treatment plan.

  • Q5. How much time does breast cancer take to go from stage 1 to 4?

    Ans: There is no uniform rate of growth for breast cancer. Generally, it grows twice every 6 months.

  • Q6. At what stage is breast cancer not curable?

    Ans: It is difficult to cure breast cancer when it reaches the metastatic stage (stage 4). Advanced treatments may help in increasing the quality and duration of life post-diagnosis.

  • Q7. How to cure breast cancer at an early stage?

    Ans: Breast cancer can be cured at an early stage with a surgical removal of the cancer tissue (lumpectomy), followed by chemotherapy or radiation to kill any remaining cancer cells.

  • References

    • https://www.apollohospitals.com/departments/cancer/organ-cancer/breast-cancer

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