Breast Cancer Treatment cost in India Archives - Cancer Rounds

Install App For Better User Experience

Myths And Facts About Breast Lumps And Cancer

Breast Cancer

 

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among Indian women, with a rate of 25.8 per 100,000 women and a mortality rate of 12.7 per 100,000 women.

Not only the numbers are increasing each day but also the myths and doubts about breast cancer. It is recommended to do a breast self-examination monthly in about 3 to 5 days after the period starts.

When you feel a lump in your breast or you experience any breast cancer symptoms, it’s understandable to be concerned. But don’t panic and jump to conclusions. Instead, act wisely and call your doctor to discuss.

 

Myths About Breast Cancer

Always make sure you are away from these popular 7 myths of breast cancer and know the facts.

 

Myth No. 1: A breast lump Is certainly cancer

Eight out of ten breast lumps felt by women aren’t cancer. A cyst (a sac) or a fibroadenoma (an abnormal growth that isn’t cancer) are the most common types. During a woman’s menstrual cycle, some lumps appear and disappear.

It’s impossible to tell what it is based on how it feels. You should consult a doctor to know in detail about the lump.

 

Myth No. 2: A single test can confirm breast cancer

More tests, such as an MRI, ultrasound, or a follow-up mammogram, may be required to examine the lump again.

A biopsy, in which a doctor takes a small sample of the lump to test it, may also be required. Regular examination is the ultimate key to detecting/preventing breast cancer.

 

Myth No. 3: Breast cancer lumps are always painless

Certainly not. Breast cancer isn’t always painful, and having breast pain doesn’t rule out the possibility of cancer.

When there is a lump, inflammatory breast cancer symptoms such as redness, swelling, tenderness, and warmth in the breast, can be painful.

 

Myth No. 4: You can’t have cancer if you find a lump while breastfeeding

Breastfeeding reduces your chances of getting breast cancer, but it can still happen. Don’t ignore a lump if you notice it while breastfeeding. Always discuss with your doctor and go for a suggestive diagnostic test.

 

Myth No. 5: A breast lump can’t be cancer if you’re young

That is not the case. Breast lumps should be self-examined every month as mentioned earlier about 3-5 days after the period starts at any age.

Even though the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer are past menopause or over the age of 50 years, stats are rapidly changing and a lump in the breast can be cancerous in a younger woman too.

 

Myth No. 6:  A smaller size of the lump is less likely to be cancerous than a larger size lump

This is certainly not true. Breast lumps irrespective of the size should be discussed with the oncologist or the gynaecologist and should be considered for suggestive diagnostic tests.

At times, small lumps may progress to aggressive cancers and shouldn’t be ignored.

 

Myth No, 7: If you don’t have a family history of breast cancer, a lump is probably harmless

If no one in their family has had breast cancer, many women believe they aren’t at risk. That is not the case. According to the American Cancer Society, only about 15% of women with breast cancer have a relative who has had the disease.

Whether or not breast cancer runs in your family, have all lumps examined by a doctor.

 

For more informative content on various types of cancer, its diagnosis, queries and breast cancer treatment in India, send us a query or visit our website www.cancerrounds.com.

Posted by, magneto
February 9, 2022
breast cancer

ONCOPLASTIC BREAST SURGERY OR THE PERSPECTIVES FOR BREAST-CONSERVATION SURGERY (BCS)

Breast Conservation Surgery

Breast-conservation surgery (BCS) and Oncoplastic breast surgery is a safe option for most female with early breast cancer.  

Yes, its recently, innovations in stream of oncoplastic techniques that have aided the cancer patients with reduced surgical trauma and a conservative approach that again is capable of preserving the breast. 

In spite of the most apt managing options of primary closure, the oncoplastic breast surgery or BCS defects are encountered with the aesthetic outcome – that may be unpredictable.  

In this lieu the oncology team of patient approaches the arm of Oncoplastic reconstruction. The oncoplastic reconstruction can itself be begin at the time of BCS (immediate). Or oncoplastic surgery can also be followed by oncoplastic reconstitution that is done in weeks (delayed-immediate) or months to years afterwards (delayed).  

It is essential here to mention that in the cases where immediate reconstruction is done, the surgical process is smooth as the steps are associated in one operative setting.  

As per the data reported by best oncologists offering best breast cancer treatment in India enlist that the 5-year survival of BCS with radiation is not statistically different in contrast to mastectomy offered alone as conventional treatment in patients with Stage I or II breast cancer. 

Statistical scoops also alarm that about 10% to 30% of patients submitted to BCS are not satisfied with the aesthetic outcome that include the clinical aspects related to skin pigmentation changes, telangiectasia, and skin fibrosis. In the glandular tissue, local radiation causes fibrosis and retraction. 

Talking about the raising attention to oncoplastic procedures – that offers the immediate application of plastic breast surgery techniques that provide a wider local excision allows to achieve the goals of a better breast shape and symmetry  

It is well accepted that oncoplastic breast surgery referred as the modern oncoplastic breast surgery combines principles of oncologic and plastic surgery techniques. This combination of principles of oncology and plastic surgery allowed the doctors to obtain oncologic ally sound and aesthetically pleasing results.  

What the oncoplastic techniques are related to? – the oncoplastic technique are related to volume displacement or replacement procedures.  

Yes, oncoplastic approach can be started at the time of BCS (immediate), weeks (delayed-immediate) or months to years afterwards (delayed) as well. The main advantages of the technique utilized should include reproducibility and patient satisfaction.  

This surely includes the main goal of low interference with the oncologic treatment and long-term results.  

Another aspect of oncoplastic breast surgery being preferred is the possibility of accomplishing negative resection margin. As the immediate reconstruction allows for wider local tumor excision, potentially reducing the incidence of margin involvement and this idea emphasize on permitting larger resections, with a superior mean volume of the specimen and negative margins. 

Possibly an ideal procedure or recommended guidelines does not exist and each case should be planned individually. As any surgical technique, all these goals are probably not met by any single procedure as each case with individual technique presents particular advantages for their indications, tumor location limitations, vascular pedicle, additional skin and glandular resections due to compromised margins, and resultant scar.  

Clinical results of oncoplastic breast surgery- are better and we also cannot neglect that immediate BCS reconstruction is challenging for oncological and plastic surgeons. The data recently supports that the oncoplastic approach associated with BCS can be considered as safe as mastectomy in tumours less than 2 cm and possibly safer than the BCS.  Another important issue in limitations associated is related to the complication rates and the timing of reconstruction; as in BCS with delayed reconstruction complication rates have been shown to be higher than immediate reconstruction. 

For more details and second opinion on breast cancer treatment – please contact Cancer Rounds. 

Posted by, magneto
February 3, 2022

Parameters To Be Considered Wisely Before Choosing Breast Cancer Treatment Oncologist

breast cancer treatment

After being diagnosed with breast cancer, each patient and his/her loved being need to approach the best oncologists for the best breast cancer treatment in India. In the process of choosing an oncologist’s team for treatment, to get the best care, need to consider certain parameters. The treating team for breast cancer treatment includes specialists such as a breast surgeon, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a plastic surgeon, and a genetic counselor.

The process of searching for doctors might seem overwhelming. But it needs research and in spite of feeling tempted to rush into decisions, so you can start treatment as soon as possible – the first and foremost need is to remain calm and approach the best cancer hospital with the best oncologists.

Now you must be worried that what you need to keep in mind you need to carefully select the doctors that are right for you and your patients.

 

Following parameters shall be wisely approached to consider when selecting each of the key members of the cancer treatment team:

1. Do oncologists and team members communicate well?

Communication is an essential part to be considered. As the treating oncologist explains things in a way you can understand, listens to you and/or the patient, and takes your concerns seriously. Remember the treating doctor should not act dismissive or threatened when you bring up treatment options you’ve researched or you mention the second opinion issues in your mind.

If possible, bring a loved being or your caretaker along to your appointments to help you form an understanding bond with to doctor. When you’re anxious or upset, it’s hard to catch and judge the interaction.

 

2. Do they have the experience and they are specialists in the field?

Make sure your oncologists have the right training, degrees, and experience. For example, choosing the best oncologist who specializes in breast cancer treatment rather than in treating several kinds of cancer- is a necessity to be considered. Also, see if a doctor is following advances and innovations in the stream. As if he can help you enroll in clinical trials and treatment approaches that are relevant to your situation.

 

3. Is their paramedical and office staff responsive?

Pay attention to whether the oncologist’s team and the doctor’s office staff are helpful, and return/answer your calls. If setting up appointments is too frustrating, that is not a green signal. However, try talking with your doctor about any problems and if still you don’t find a solution- then you may switch practices.

 

4. Could you follow up with them over the long term considering the distance from your living space and your economic status?

Your oncologists might be working with you extra particularly if you have metastatic breast cancer- an advanced-stage disease. This indicates that you are taking hormonal therapy on a long-term basis, or if you have an inherited gene mutation then in this case it’s best to choose the best oncologist who is going to be in practice for a long time and isn’t close to retiring. Also, the treating oncologists must not be in a far place and in a position to understand your economic status.

 

5. Do you want to keep looking for another doctor for a second opinion?

Ultimately, your goal should be to get the best care or provide the best care to your patient. Right from the beginning of your treatment don’t hesitate to get a second opinion if you’re lacking confidence in a particular doctor’s treatment recommendations, expertise, or communication skills. Asking for opinions from other doctors can also help and don’t hide it from your current doctor.

Opting for the best cancer treatment in India, the best oncologists, or the second opinion – please consider contacting Cancer Rounds.

Posted by, magneto
January 31, 2022

BRCA1 and BRCA2: Potential Hereditary Breast Cancer Genes

Breast cancer

Yes, the most common cause of potential hereditary breast cancer is a mutation of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. It is observed that these mutations can be inherited copies of either gene from a parent, and the individual is in the zone of a higher risk for breast cancer. In the physiological process, the mentioned BRCA1 AND BRCA2 genes make proteins to check and repair DNA. But on another side of the abnormal point when genes are mutated, can pose an abnormal cell growth or cancer.

Incidence of BRCA mutation: prevalence of pathogenic BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants has been reported- approximately 1 in 400 individuals in the general population. All individuals have BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but only some carry mutations in those genes. In case, either of the parents has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, offspring have a 50% chance of carrying the gene mutation. In genetic testing, BRCA positive mutation predicts risk of cancer increases and indicates a higher risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer in women and the risk for breast and prostate cancer in men, as well as other cancers. If we are discussing epidemiology, it is a necessity to mention that a hereditary breast cancer accounts for only 5-10 percent of all breast cancers.

It is significant here to mention that females diagnose with either BRCA1 AND BRCA2 gene mutations are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age. As we race to talk about genetic testing, the younger the age of diagnosis for BRCA positive mutation via genetic testing more appropriate the candidate is for BRCA1/2 pedigree. This pedigree unravels the classic features of the BRCA pathogenic variant across three generations. This will detail the result in organogram depicting/predicting affected family members with breast cancer and young age at onset

Location of BRCA1/2 and association with gender mutations & breast cancer: As per the data, the 17q21.3 region contained the BRCA1 gene and the BRCA2 gene is located on the 13q12.3 regions. Also, another fact as per the observational studies reported is that male breast cancer is unlikely to be directly caused by BRCA1 mutation alone.

BRCA 1/2 and tumorigenesis: recent data indicates that about 55 to 65% of BRCA1 mutation carriers and approximately 45% of BRCA2 mutation carriers develop breast cancer by 6 to 7 decades of life.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes, responsible to slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or tell cells when to die in the physiological process. But in the mutation of the tumor suppressor gene or anti-oncogene, a loss or reduction in its function is base of tumorigeneses resulting in cancer.

Besides predicting the potential hereditary breast cancer recent ray of hope in breast cancer treatment regimen and follow-up is the role of BRCA mutations on breast cancer prognosis. As per data reported 3.4% BRCA carriers, display a not good overall survival. But collectively independent BRCA mutation is an inadequate outcome predictor.

It is because a clinical diagnosis of hereditary breast cancer also consider one or more of the features are present in family-like early-onset breast cancer, two breast primary or breast, and other related cancer (ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal) in a single individual, and then a member of a family with a known BRCA1; etc.. in the recommended guidelines for genetic testing, counselling, and risk assessment. Which will be followed by primary prevention strategies to reduce breast cancer risk.

Breast cancer treatment in cases with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations: chemotherapy a conventional tool of treatment in the world of cancer uses Taxanes that are less sensitive to BRCA1 mutation carriers. Also, platinum agents with taxanes in neoadjuvant chemotherapy with enhanced response are predicted in hereditary BRCA1-associated breast cancer.

Targeted drug therapy- PARP inhibitors against BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutated genes are beneficial in the treatment of patients that are carriers of germline BRCA mutations.

The Breast cancer treatment cost in India typically is covered in the range from INR 5 to 6 Lakhs, including radiotherapy, surgery, testing, and targeted therapy spike the range up to 20 Lakh, including six cycles of chemotherapy for cancer treatment, genetic testing, genetic counseling, pedigree chart analysis. (For details please contact us)

Future considerations- In lieu of BRCA mutation will be able to provide valuable insight in terms of prevention and treatment options.

Posted by, Medical Team, Cancer Rounds
January 11, 2022

Contact Us

    User
    Mobile Number
    City
    Message
    whatsapp