It’s a tough topic. One many of us avoid. But if you’ve ever watched a loved one go through it—or if you’ve been through it yourself—you know how real it is. Breast cancer is personal. And in 2025, it’s also way more common than we’d like to admit.
In India, breast cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. One woman is diagnosed with it every 4 minutes. Every 13 minutes, we lose one to it. Still think awareness doesn’t matter?
Let’s change that.
This isn’t just a blog—it’s a wake-up call. About the signs, the risks, the breast cancer screening options you should know, and the support that’s out there. And yes, it’s about hope too.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Let’s start with the basics. Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast start growing uncontrollably. Most of the time, it begins in the milk ducts or the lobules (milk-producing glands). Over time, it can spread to nearby tissue or even other parts of the body.
Types of Breast Cancer
You may have heard terms like
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)—early-stage cancer in the milk ducts
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)—the most common type—starts in the ducts and spreads
- Triple-negative breast cancer—more aggressive, harder to treat
- HER2-positive breast cancer—fast-growing but responds well to targeted therapies
Each type behaves differently, which is why early diagnosis is so important.
Symptoms and Causes
We’re not doctors—but we are people who care. So here’s what you should look out for.
Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer
- A lump in the breast or underarm
- Change in size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Nipple discharge (especially if bloody)
- Inverted nipple or sudden changes
- Redness, swelling, or pain that doesn’t go away
Now here’s the tricky part—not all lumps are cancer, and not all cancers show lumps. So don’t panic, but don’t ignore things either.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
There’s no single cause—but there are risk factors:
- Age—Most common in women over 50
- Genetics—BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations raise risk
- Family history—especially mother, sister, or daughter
- Hormones—early periods, late menopause, hormone therapy
- Lifestyle—Obesity, alcohol, lack of physical activity, high-fat diet
- Radiation exposure—especially in youth
Still, 70% of women diagnosed have no family history. Which means awareness isn’t optional—it’s essential.
What Are the Complications of Breast Cancer?
If left untreated—or diagnosed late—breast cancer can spread (metastasize) to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.
It also brings emotional and physical complications:
- Lymphedema (arm swelling post-surgery)
- Fatigue and pain from treatment
- Emotional trauma—fear, anxiety, body image changes
- Recurrence risk—even after remission
That’s why early detection is life-saving. Not just life-extending.
Management and Treatment
Here’s the good news: breast cancer is treatable, especially when caught early.
At Healium, our breast cancer screening camps focus on early intervention because survival rates skyrocket when treatment starts in Stage 1 or 2.
Main Treatment Options
1. Surgery
- Lumpectomy—removes the tumour and some surrounding tissue
- Mastectomy—removes the whole breast (sometimes both)
2. Radiation Therapy
Targets remaining cancer cells post-surgery.
3. Chemotherapy
Uses drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells. Often used when cancer has spread or to shrink tumors before surgery.
4. Hormone Therapy
Blocks hormone receptors that help certain cancers grow.
5. Targeted Therapy
A newer line of treatment—especially for HER2-positive cases. Fewer side effects, more focused.
6. Immunotherapy
Still evolving, but promising for triple-negative cases.
No two journeys are the same. That’s why treatment is always personalized—based on your type, stage, age, and overall health.
What Are Treatment Side Effects?
Yes, treatment saves lives. But it also comes with challenges.
- Hair loss and nausea from chemo
- Fatigue, brain fog, weight changes
- Skin irritation from radiation
- Hot flashes and mood swings from hormone therapy
- Infection risk due to low white blood cells
But you’re not alone. And support matters as much as medicine.
At Healium, we guide patients through every step—from early detection to counseling support. One of our screening camp attendees in 2024 caught her cancer at Stage 1, went through a lumpectomy, and now volunteers to educate others. It’s possible. It’s powerful.
Outlook & Prognosis: What’s the Survival Rate for Breast Cancer?
In India, survival rates are improving—but we still lag behind developed countries. Why?
Because we detect it too late.
If detected at:
- Stage 1: 95% 5-year survival rate
- Stage 2: 80%
- Stage 3: 50–60%
- Stage 4: Drops below 30%
The difference isn’t treatment—it’s timing.
And this is where you come in. Your awareness, your self-exams, and your annual check-ups matter more than you think.
Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself, Protect Others
It’s easy to ignore a blog like this. Life is busy. The news is heavy. And maybe you feel fine.
But just for today, pause.
Check yourself. Schedule a screening. Talk to your mother, sister, or friend. Share this blog. Because one conversation could save a life—and that life could be yours.
At Healium, we offer breast cancer screening for women of all ages—especially in underserved areas where awareness is lowest. If you or someone you know needs help, here’s where to start.
FAQs
Q1: At what age should I start breast cancer screening?
Start self-exams at 20. Clinical exams every 3 years (age 20–40), and annual mammograms after 40, or earlier if at high risk.
Q2: Are breast lumps always cancer?
No, many are benign. But any new lump should be checked by a doctor.
Q3: How often should I do a self-exam?
Once a month, ideally a few days after your period ends.
Q4: Can men get breast cancer, too?
Yes, though rare. Men should also report any lumps, swelling, or nipple discharge.
Q5: Is breast cancer genetic?
Some types are. But most women with breast cancer have no family history. Genetics is just one part of the picture.
