According to estimates, one woman is confirmed to have breast cancer every four minutes. "In the last 26 years, breast cancer cases in India have increased by more than 40%, which is very alarming," says Dr. Vimal Pandita, Sr. Consultant, Dept. of Oncology, Max Hospital, Dehradun. It indicates the seriousness of the disease and that necessary steps need to be taken to combat breast cancer. In many women, breast cancer is detected late, making it challenging for medical professionals to treat the disease. It makes early detection of the disease critical.

Why early detection is important

If breast cancer is detected early, it can be managed more effectively and increase the patient's lifespan. In case specific symptoms of breast cancer appear, the doctor will use methods like mammography and clinical breast examination. Mammography is considered one of the most effective breast cancer detection techniques. In this method, the doctors will take an X-ray of the breast to determine whether the patient has cancer.

"Diagnostic imaging for breast cancer has evolved extensively from a standard, two-dimensional, X-ray mammogram. The advanced mammogram machines allow a three-dimensional view of the breast's anatomy. Additionally, ultrasonography (USG) of the breast is being used more often as a complementary imaging technique to mammography especially for women in younger age groups and dense breasts," says Dr Garvit Chitkara, Senior Consultant of Surgical Oncology (Breast) at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital.
 
How awareness can help

Breast cancer awareness among women about the symptoms can play a significant role in detecting the disease early. Some of the signs that women need to look out for include: changes occurring in the skin overlapping the breast, change in the breast's shape or size, a new lump and a one-sided persistent pain, to name a few. If such symptoms are witnessed, it is essential to contact a doctor specialising in breast cancer treatments at a hospital like Max Healthcare.

"At Max Hospitals, Oncologists from many specialities often work together to treat breast cancer. Every case of breast cancer is discussed in tumour board and a personalised treatment plan is finalised to achieve the best possible cure", says Dr Pandita.

About Max Healthcare: Max Healthcare Institute Limited ("Max Healthcare") is one of India's largest healthcare organisations. We operate 17 healthcare facilities (3400+ beds) across the NCR Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra. Max Healthcare also operates a homecare business and pathology business under Max@Home and Max Labs, respectively. Max@Home offers health and wellness services at home, while Max Lab provides Pathology Services outside our hospital network.