Table of Contents

• 1. What Is Breast Cancer?
• 2. Common Myths About Breast Cancer
• 3. Facts Every Woman Should Know
• 4. Common Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
• 5. Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
• 6. Importance of Early Detection and Screening
• 7. Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Options
• 8. Meet Our Oncology Specialists at AIMS Hospital, Dombivli
• 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 10. Conclusion

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. It can begin in the milk ducts or milk-producing lobules and may spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body if left untreated.

Breast cancer can affect women of different ages, although the risk generally increases with age. It can also occur in men, though it is much less common.

The good news is that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve outcomes. Understanding breast cancer and knowing when to seek medical advice are important steps towards better breast health.

Common Myths About Breast Cancer

Myth 1: Breast Cancer Only Affects Older Women

Fact: Breast cancer is more common with increasing age, but younger women can also develop it. Women should pay attention to unusual breast changes regardless of their age.

Myth 2: A Breast Lump Always Means Cancer

Fact: Most breast lumps are not cancerous. They may occur due to benign conditions such as cysts or fibroadenomas. However, a new or unusual lump should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional rather than ignored.

Myth 3: Only Women With a Family History Develop Breast Cancer

Fact: Family history can increase breast cancer risk, but many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history. The absence of affected relatives does not eliminate the risk.

Myth 4: Breast Cancer Always Causes Pain

Fact: Breast cancer may develop without pain, particularly in its early stages. A painless lump or another unusual breast change should not be ignored simply because it does not hurt.

Myth 5: Wearing an Underwire Bra Causes Breast Cancer

Fact: There is no reliable scientific evidence that wearing an underwire bra causes breast cancer. This is a common misconception that can create unnecessary fear.

Myth 6: Breast Cancer Is Always Preventable

Fact: There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer. Some risk factors cannot be changed, including age and inherited genetic factors. Healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce certain risks, but they cannot eliminate the possibility of developing the disease.

Myth 7: A Mastectomy Is Always Necessary for Breast Cancer

Fact: Not every patient needs the entire breast removed. Treatment depends on the type, stage, location, and characteristics of the cancer. Depending on the case, breast-conserving surgery or other surgical approaches may be appropriate.

Myth 8: A Normal Mammogram Means Breast Cancer Is Impossible

Fact: Mammograms can detect many breast cancers, sometimes before symptoms appear, but they are not perfect. Some cancers may not be detected on a mammogram. Any new or persistent breast change requires medical evaluation, even after a recent normal screening result.

Facts Every Woman Should Know

Understanding the following facts can help women make informed decisions about their breast health.

• Breast cancer can affect women without a family history. Everyone should understand their personal risk factors.
• Not all breast lumps are cancerous. Medical evaluation is needed to determine the cause.
• Breast cancer may not cause pain. Other changes can be equally important warning signs.
• Early diagnosis matters. Identifying cancer before it advances can improve the chances of successful treatment.
• Treatment is individualised. Surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy may be used depending on the diagnosis.
• Men can also develop breast cancer. Although uncommon, unusual breast lumps or nipple changes in men also require assessment.

Breast cancer awareness is not about creating fear. It is about recognising changes, understanding the facts, and knowing when to seek medical guidance.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer may cause different symptoms, and some people may not notice symptoms during the early stages.

Possible warning signs include:

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm.
• A change in the size or shape of the breast.
• Dimpling, puckering, redness, or unusual changes in breast skin.
• A nipple that turns inward or changes in appearance.
• Unusual nipple discharge, particularly bloody discharge.
• Persistent changes around the nipple or areola.
• Swelling or a noticeable change in one breast.

These symptoms do not always indicate breast cancer, but they should not be ignored. If you notice a new or persistent change, consult a qualified healthcare professional for assessment. Do not wait for pain to develop before seeking medical advice.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can develop due to a combination of factors. Having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will definitely develop cancer, and some people develop breast cancer without obvious risk factors.

Common risk factors include:

• Increasing age.
• A personal or family history of breast cancer.
• Inherited genetic changes, including certain BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
• Previous exposure to radiation involving the chest.
• Certain reproductive and hormonal factors.
• Postmenopausal hormone therapy.
• Alcohol consumption and excess body weight, particularly after menopause.

Women with a strong family history or known inherited genetic risk may benefit from discussing individual risk assessment and appropriate screening with a healthcare professional.

Importance of Early Detection and Screening

Early detection is an important part of breast cancer care. It involves recognising possible symptoms promptly and using appropriate screening tests for people who do not have symptoms.

1. Be Aware of Your Breast Health

Understand what is normal for your breasts and pay attention to new or unusual changes. Breast awareness can help you recognise when something needs medical evaluation.

2. Consult a Doctor About Unusual Changes

A healthcare professional may examine the breast and recommend further tests based on symptoms, age, and individual risk.

3. Understand Breast Cancer Screening

Mammography is an imaging test commonly used for breast cancer screening. The appropriate starting age and frequency depend on local guidelines, personal risk, and medical history. Women at higher risk may need a different screening plan.

4. Do Not Delay Diagnostic Tests

If a doctor recommends imaging or a biopsy to investigate a suspicious finding, completing the recommended evaluation promptly is important. A biopsy may be needed to confirm whether a suspicious area is cancerous.

Screening is not a replacement for evaluating symptoms. Even if you are younger than the usual screening age or have recently had a normal mammogram, seek medical advice about a new breast change.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment depend on the clinical findings, imaging results, biopsy report, tumour characteristics, and whether the disease has spread.

Diagnosis

A medical evaluation may include:

• Clinical breast examination.
• Diagnostic mammography or breast ultrasound.
• Additional imaging when clinically indicated.
• A biopsy to examine suspicious tissue.
• Laboratory and tumour marker testing where appropriate for treatment planning.

Not every patient requires every test. The treating specialist recommends investigations based on the individual case.

Treatment Options

Surgery: Removes the cancerous tissue. Depending on the tumour and patient circumstances, breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy may be considered.

Chemotherapy: Uses medicines to destroy cancer cells or control their growth. It may be recommended before or after surgery, or for advanced disease.

Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells in a targeted area. It may be recommended after certain breast surgeries or in other clinical situations.

Hormone Therapy: May be used for breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones such as oestrogen or progesterone.

Targeted Therapy and Other Systemic Treatments: Certain treatments target specific features of cancer cells and may be recommended according to the tumour's characteristics.

A multidisciplinary team helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.

Meet Our Oncology Specialists at AIMS Hospital, Dombivli

AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, has oncology specialists who provide different aspects of cancer care. Breast cancer management may involve surgical treatment and medical oncology, depending on the patient's diagnosis and treatment needs.

Dr. Supriya Bambarkar

Designation: Director, Department of Oncology · Consultant Oncosurgeon

Qualifications: D.N.B., M.Ch. (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Supriya Bambarkar specialises in surgical oncology, with listed interests in breast malignancies and oncoplasty. Surgical oncology plays an important role in evaluating breast tumours and planning appropriate surgical treatment when required.

Dr. Rakesh Patil

Designation: Medical and Hematology Oncologist

Qualifications: M.D. (Medicine), D.M. (Medical Oncology and Hematology)

Dr. Rakesh Patil specialises in medical oncology, with listed interests including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy for breast cancer. Medical oncology helps guide appropriate systemic treatment based on the type and stage of cancer.

Both specialists have complementary roles in breast cancer care. The appropriate doctor and treatment plan depend on the patient's symptoms, diagnostic findings, and clinical needs. For appointments and current consultation timings, contact AIMS Hospital, Dombivli.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Is the Most Common Myth About Breast Cancer?

One common myth is that breast cancer only affects women with a family history. In reality, many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history of the disease.

2. Does Every Breast Lump Indicate Breast Cancer?

No. Many breast lumps are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, a new or unusual lump should be examined by a healthcare professional to determine its cause.

3. Can Breast Cancer Occur in Younger Women?

Yes. Although the risk increases with age, breast cancer can occur in younger women. Unusual breast changes should be evaluated regardless of age.

4. Which Doctors Treat Breast Cancer at AIMS Hospital, Dombivli?

Dr. Supriya Bambarkar is a Consultant Oncosurgeon, and Dr. Rakesh Patil is a Medical and Hemato Oncologist. Depending on the diagnosis, patients may need surgical oncology, medical oncology, or coordinated care from both specialists.

5. How Can Women Reduce Their Risk of Breast Cancer?

Not all breast cancer cases can be prevented. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, limiting alcohol, staying physically active, understanding personal risk factors, and following an appropriate screening plan may help reduce certain risks or support early detection.

Conclusion

Breaking the myths about breast cancer is an important step towards improving awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and helping women make informed decisions about their health. Breast cancer does not always cause pain, does not exclusively affect older women, and can occur even without a family history. Understanding these facts helps women recognise warning signs and seek timely medical advice.

Regular medical guidance, appropriate screening, and prompt evaluation of unusual breast changes are essential parts of breast health. With advances in diagnosis and treatment, many patients can benefit from individualised care based on their specific condition.

At AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, Dr. Supriya Bambarkar, Consultant Oncosurgeon, and Dr. Rakesh Patil, Medical and Hematology Oncologist, represent important areas of specialist cancer care. AIMS Hospital encourages women to stay informed, challenge breast cancer myths, and consult qualified healthcare professionals when they notice unusual changes or have concerns about their breast health.

Early awareness can make a difference. Share accurate information, encourage open conversations, and help more women take confident steps towards better breast health.