Breast Cancer Treatment in India

Types of Breast Cancer Treatment

There are some types of treatments for breast cancer which may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Hormone therapy 
• Target Drug Therapy

Chemotherapy

In chemotherapy treatment, some medications are used to kill cancer cells in the breast. These drugs limit the growth of tumors inside the breast tissues and destroy the cancer cells. Chemotherapy treatment is often used in advanced stages of cancer.

Surgery

Surgery is a common treatment for breast cancer. There are two main types:
Lumpectomy: In this surgery, the tumor is removed from the breast tissue with some part of healthy tissue. However, most of the breast tissue remains intact after the surgery.
Mastectomy: The surgical procedure of mastectomy may include the removal of entire breast tissue. In severe cases, muscles and lymph nodes are also removed with breast tissue.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to target and kill cancer cells. This treatment can also be used to shrink tumors before the surgical procedure.

Targeted Therapy

This type of treatment specifically targets the proteins or substances that are responsible for the growth of cancer cells. Target therapies can also be used with other treatment options. This treatment reduces the chances of complications.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is used when breast tumors form due to the effect of hormones. This treatment therapy limits the supply of hormones to the growth of cancer cells in breast tissue. It can also be used in combination with other treatments.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy can also be used to treat breast cancer where medications help the body’s immune system to fight against the cancer cells. Immunotherapy is not a common treatment for breast cancer.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Treatment

Some of the diagnostic procedures for breast cancer may involve:

Clinical Examination

The clinical examination is a physical examination where a healthcare provider checks for any lumps, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes, or other abnormalities in the breast and underarm area.

Imaging Tests

Mammogram: A mammogram is a common method to diagnose breast cancer. This method uses X-ray which detects the abnormalities of breast tissue including tumors that are too small.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue. It is often used with other methods to confirm the diagnosis of breast cancer
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): In some cases, an MRI may be performed to create a detailed picture of breast tissues. It is used when other diagnostic methods cannot be performed due to some patient factors.

Biopsy

A biopsy test is performed to confirm the diagnosis of breast cancer. In this test, a breast tissue sample is examined to check the presence of cancer cells.

Genetic Testing

Some complex cases of breast cancer may be diagnosed with genetic testing. In this test, genes are examined which are the risks for developing breast cancer.

Lymph Node Evaluation

If breast cancer is detected, lymph nodes in the underarm area may be examined to determine if the cancer has spread to other areas. This is often done during surgery or with a test of lymph node biopsy.

Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment in India

The cost of Breast Cancer treatment in India ranges from 1500 USD to 2200 USD. The cost can vary according to the type of treatment and the condition of the patient. The cost can also vary according to the need for combination treatment for complex cases of breast cancer.

Symptoms & Risk factors of Breast Cancer Treatment

The signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer may include:

• Lump in the breast
• Breast pain
• Swelling in the breast
• Changes in breast shape or size
• Skin changes on the breast such as redness or dimpling
• Nipple discharge
• Inverted nipple
• Thickening or puckering of the breast skin
• Skin rash on the nipple or areola
• Changes in the appearance of the nipple
• Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Breast warmth or erythema
• Nipple itching or burning
• Breast skin that feels like an orange peel

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

Some of the risk factors associated with Breast Cancer are:

Gender

Breast cancer is mostly present in women so the female population is at greater risk.

Age

Breast cancer mostly occurs in women of age older than 45 years. So old age women are at greater risk of developing breast cancer.

Family History

There is a strong possibility of developing breast cancer if a close family member of a person is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Inherited Gene Mutations

Some specific types of gene changes can be a major risk factor for breast cancer.

Radiation Exposure

Exposure to strong radiation can also cause different types of cancers in the body which may also include breast cancer.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Excess use of medicines related to hormone replacement therapy is also linked with the development of breast cancer. The risk is higher in older women.

Onset of Menstruation and Menopause

The first menstrual cycle before age 12 years or the occurrence of menopause after the age of 55 years, is associated with a greater risk.

Reproductive Factors

Women who have never given birth or had their first child after the age of 30 years are at greater risk of developing breast cancer.

Alcohol Consumption

Consistent and excessive alcohol consumption is a major risk of breast cancer.

Obesity

Excess body weight or obesity can increase the chances of breast cancer in older women.

Physical Inactivity

Inadequate physical activity may also cause the risk of developing breast cancer.