+917795060087
Call Us
Breast Cancer
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer often begins quietly with the rapid and unchecked multiplication of cells within the breast's milk ducts or lobules. Regular self-exams, screenings, and early detection improve outcomes. Breast cancer can also be defined as, a disease where cells inside the breast grow out of control and begin to form a tumor or mass. Most often, it arises from the lining of the milk ducts known as ductal carcinoma or from the glands that produce milk, called lobular carcinoma. Though it affects women predominantly, men can also get breast cancer, though it is rare.
Breast Cancer Types
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
•Starts in the milk ducts (most common type)
•Can spread to surrounding tissues
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
•Begins in the milk-producing lobules
•May be harder to detect on imaging
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
•Non-invasive, early-stage cancer confined to ducts
•Nearly 100% treatable when caught early
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
•Not true cancer type but a risk marker
•Indicates higher likelihood of
•developing invasive cancer
Breast Cancer Symptoms
- •A firm mass in the breast or underarm area. the most common and most noticed breast cancer symptom.
- •May feel fixed or change in size over time
What’s Notable
Early-stage breast cancer patients may have no symptoms — which is why screenings matter.
Inflammatory breast cancer (a rare type) often causes redness/swelling without a distinct lump.
Women's breast cancer is still noticed and addressed, but men experience similar symptoms but often delay care due to lower awareness.
When to Seek Help
If any symptom persists for 2+ weeks, consult an expert cancer doctor even if your mammogram was recently clear. Some changes develop between screenings.
Breast Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Gender
Higher in women
Age
Higher risk at after 55
Genetics
BRCA1/2 mutations, family history
Exposure
Radiation (<30), HRT, DES
Reproductive
Early periods (<12), late menopause (>55), late/no pregnancy
Lifestyle
Obesity (post-menopause), alcohol, smoking, inactivity, poor diet
Medical Factors
Dense breasts, past benign breast conditions
Other
Oral contraceptives (slight risk increase)
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Check-Up
Step 1: Initial Check-Up
(If you notice symptoms like a lump or changes)
What happens: Your doctor will:
- Examine your breasts and underarms for lumps and abnormalities.
- Observe skin or nipple changes.
- Ask about family history and your health.
Your role: Share any changes you’ve noticed openly.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Lumpectomy
Description:
Tumor + margin removed; breast is conserved, the initial most treatmentoptions which is always opted for.
Used For:
Early-stage (I-II), small tumors
Recovery:
1-2 weeks; +radiation
Mastectomy
Description:
Full breast removal
Used For:
Large/multifocal tumors
Recovery:
4-6 weeks; reconstruction options
Lymph Node Removal
Description:
Sentinel biopsy or axillary dissection
Used For:
Check spread to lymph nodes
Recovery:
1-2 weeks
Breast Cancer Treatment by Types
Chemotherapy:
is the main systemic treatment
Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), :
usually followed by chemotherapy and radiation.
Immunotherapy options (such as pembrolizumab) :
for advanced or high-risk disease.
Targeted therapy for BRCA mutation:
positive patients (for example, olaparib). Antibody-drug conjugates, such as sacituzumab govitecan, for recurrent or metastatic TNBC.
Breast Cancer Stages
- •Staging in breast cancer classifies the extent and spread of the tumor from stage 0 to stage 4, ranging from non-invasive to metastatic cancer.
- •Each stage considers tumor size, location, and lymph node involvement, which guides treatment choices and prognosis.
•Also called carcinoma in situ, this stage is non-invasive.
•Abnormal cells are confined inside the milk ducts and have not spread to surrounding breast tissue.
•Includes ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
•Accounts for about 20% of new breast cancer diagnoses.
•Highly treatable but may progress to invasive cancer if untreated.
Management & Prevention
Side Effects
•Fatigue, pain, or menopausal symptoms can linger. For breast cancer care, talk to your doctor; options like physical therapy or meds can help.
Movement & Food
•Gentle activity (like yoga or walking) boosts energy. Eat nourishing, balanced meals to support recovery.
Follow-Up Care
•Regular scans and tests at breast cancer clinics or breast cancer centres can keep you on track and catch any changes early.
Breast Cancer Types
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
•Starts in the milk ducts (most common type)
•Can spread to surrounding tissues
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
•Begins in the milk-producing lobules
•May be harder to detect on imaging
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
•Non-invasive, early-stage cancer confined to ducts
•Nearly 100% treatable when caught early
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
•Not true cancer type but a risk marker
•Indicates higher likelihood of
•developing invasive cancer
Breast Cancer Symptoms
- •A firm mass in the breast or underarm area. the most common and most noticed breast cancer symptom.
- •May feel fixed or change in size over time
What’s Notable
Early-stage breast cancer patients may have no symptoms — which is why screenings matter.
Inflammatory breast cancer (a rare type) often causes redness/swelling without a distinct lump.
Women's breast cancer is still noticed and addressed, but men experience similar symptoms but often delay care due to lower awareness.
When to Seek Help
If any symptom persists for 2+ weeks, consult an expert cancer doctor even if your mammogram was recently clear. Some changes develop between screenings.
Breast Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Gender
Higher in women
Age
Higher risk at after 55
Genetics
BRCA1/2 mutations, family history
Exposure
Radiation (<30), HRT, DES
Reproductive
Early periods (<12), late menopause (>55), late/no pregnancy
Lifestyle
Obesity (post-menopause), alcohol, smoking, inactivity, poor diet
Medical Factors
Dense breasts, past benign breast conditions
Other
Oral contraceptives (slight risk increase)
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Check-Up
Step 1: Initial Check-Up
(If you notice symptoms like a lump or changes)
What happens: Your doctor will:
- Examine your breasts and underarms for lumps and abnormalities.
- Observe skin or nipple changes.
- Ask about family history and your health.
Your role: Share any changes you’ve noticed openly.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Lumpectomy
Description:
Tumor + margin removed; breast is conserved, the initial most treatmentoptions which is always opted for.
Used For:
Early-stage (I-II), small tumors
Recovery:
1-2 weeks; +radiation
Mastectomy
Description:
Full breast removal
Used For:
Large/multifocal tumors
Recovery:
4-6 weeks; reconstruction options
Lymph Node Removal
Description:
Sentinel biopsy or axillary dissection
Used For:
Check spread to lymph nodes
Recovery:
1-2 weeks
Breast Cancer Treatment by Types
Chemotherapy:
is the main systemic treatment
Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), :
usually followed by chemotherapy and radiation.
Immunotherapy options (such as pembrolizumab) :
for advanced or high-risk disease.
Targeted therapy for BRCA mutation:
positive patients (for example, olaparib). Antibody-drug conjugates, such as sacituzumab govitecan, for recurrent or metastatic TNBC.
Breast Cancer Stages
- •Staging in breast cancer classifies the extent and spread of the tumor from stage 0 to stage 4, ranging from non-invasive to metastatic cancer.
- •Each stage considers tumor size, location, and lymph node involvement, which guides treatment choices and prognosis.
•Also called carcinoma in situ, this stage is non-invasive.
•Abnormal cells are confined inside the milk ducts and have not spread to surrounding breast tissue.
•Includes ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
•Accounts for about 20% of new breast cancer diagnoses.
•Highly treatable but may progress to invasive cancer if untreated.
Management & Prevention
Side Effects
•Fatigue, pain, or menopausal symptoms can linger. For breast cancer care, talk to your doctor; options like physical therapy or meds can help.
Movement & Food
•Gentle activity (like yoga or walking) boosts energy. Eat nourishing, balanced meals to support recovery.
Follow-Up Care
•Regular scans and tests at breast cancer clinics or breast cancer centres can keep you on track and catch any changes early.
Why Choose Everhope for Breast Cancer?
At Everhope, breast cancer centre in Gurugram, our experts support your proactive care with advanced treatments- guiding you with knowledge, hope, and healing.
25%
of all female cancer cases globally and in India
660K
new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2022
1%
of cases occur in men
Explore Our Latest Updates
Prevention5 min read
Air Pollution and Lung Cancer: Risks, Progression, and What Patients Should Do
Dr. Vrundali Kannoth
FAQs on Breast Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
Yes, although rare, men can develop breast cancer. Early detection is equally important for men.
Find a Centre Near You
Gurgaon EBD 65
EBD 65, Sector 65, Golf Course Extension Road, Gurgaon