by admin-blog-kh | January 5, 2026 1:03 pm
October, observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reminds us of one of the most pressing health challenges faced by Indian women today. With over 190,000 new cases each year—nearly 14% of all cancers in India—breast cancer has become the most common cancer among women.
Yet, there is hope. When detected early, breast cancer can be successfully treated in most cases. In India, the 5-year survival rate is around 66%, but when detected in the earliest stages, it rises to nearly 95%. The message is clear—early detection saves lives.
Red flags such as a new lump in the breast, changes in size or texture, nipple inversion or discharge, redness, dimpling of skin, or swelling in the armpit should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
Even without symptoms, regular screening can detect cancers much earlier—when cure rates are highest. Not every lump is cancer, but every lump needs evaluation.
Your hands can be your first screening tool. Once a month, 4–7 days after your menstrual period, stand in front of a mirror and look for any changes in shape, size, or skin. Then feel your breasts with the flat pulp of your fingers, checking for any lump, thickening, or discharge.
For postmenopausal women, choose a fixed day each month to make it a habit.
BSE is simple, free, and life-saving. It helps women know what’s normal for them and notice changes early—though it does not replace regular mammography.
For women over 40, a mammogram every 1–2 years is the most reliable way to detect cancer early. In women with a family history or genetic risk (BRCA1/2 mutations), screening should start earlier and may include MRI scans. We encourage you to take an active role in your own screening.
Today, treatment focuses not only on cure but also on preserving body image and quality of life. Patient-centred treatment with precision oncology is the new standard of care
Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS) allows many women to avoid full breast removal (mastectomy is done only for a handful of women), offering equal survival outcomes when combined with radiotherapy. This, in turn, enhances the patient’s morale and promotes body positivity.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) targets only the key lymph nodes that may contain cancer, reducing swelling and arm stiffness.
Modern therapies—including targeted drugs, immunotherapy, and antibody-drug conjugates—have greatly improved results, especially in advanced or aggressive cancers.
Genetic-based treatments, like PARP inhibitors, are now available for patients with BRCA mutations, marking a major step towards personalised care.
About 5–10% of breast cancers are hereditary, often BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
Women with these mutations face a higher lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Genetic counselling and testing can identify them early, allowing preventive strategies such as closer surveillance or risk-reducing surgery.
Knowing your family history— and discussing it openly—can protect not just you but also your daughters and sisters.
Men account for less than 1% of breast cancers, yet lack of awareness often delays diagnosis. A painless lump, nipple discharge or crusting, or swelling near the nipple should prompt immediate medical attention. Men with BRCA2 mutations or a strong family history are at higher risk. Early diagnosis offers excellent outcomes—awareness is key.
Cancer doesn’t just affect the body—it touches the mind. Fear, anxiety, and depression are common, yet many patients don’t receive the support they need. Studies indicate that only about half of patients use counselling services even when offered. Emotional well-being improves recovery, adherence to treatment, and overall quality of life. Support groups, counselling, yoga, and mindfulness can make a real difference in the healing journey.
Let’s ensure breast cancer in both women and men is met with knowledge, compassion, and action. Because early detection saves lives, and every life—every mother, daughter, sister, and even brother—truly matters.
Dr. Srikarthik Voleti[1]
Consultant – Surgical Oncology
Kauvery Hospital – Radial Road
Early detection greatly improves survival rates. When breast cancer is found at an early stage, treatment is more effective and the chances of long-term survival can be as high as 95%.
Common signs include a breast lump, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge or inversion, skin dimpling or redness, and swelling in the armpit. Any new change should be evaluated by a doctor.
Yes. Monthly breast self-examination helps women become familiar with their breasts and notice changes early. However, BSE does not replace clinical screening such as mammography.
Women above 40 years should undergo a mammogram every 1–2 years. Those with a family history or genetic risk may need earlier and more frequent screening, including MRI scans.
Modern treatment includes breast conservation surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and precision oncology approaches that preserve quality of life.
No. Many women can undergo breast conservation surgery with outcomes equal to mastectomy when combined with radiotherapy. Mastectomy is required only in select cases.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Radial Road & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 6111 6111 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 68011
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