What are the possible treatments for breast cancer and their costs in India?

Q: Are there any options for financial assistance for breast cancer treatment in India?

There are a number of organizations in India that provide financial assistance for individuals who are unable to afford the cost of breast cancer treatment. These organizations may offer grants, loans, or other forms of financial assistance to help cover the cost of treatment. Some hospitals and clinics may also have financial assistance programs available for patients who are in need.

Q: Can breast cancer treatment be done at a lower cost in India?

In some cases, it may be possible to receive breast cancer treatment at a lower cost in India by seeking treatment at a government-run hospital or clinic, or by opting for a less expensive treatment option. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cost of treatment should not be the only factor to consider when deciding on a treatment plan. It's important to work with a medical team to determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation.

Q: Is breast cancer treatment covered by insurance in India?

Many health insurance policies in India cover the cost of breast cancer treatment, although the specific coverage can vary depending on the policy. It's a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered and what is not.

Q: What are the various treatment options available for breast cancer in India?

The various treatments given by a breast cancer doctor are: 1. Surgery The type of breast cancer surgery totally depends on the cancer stage and the type of cancer: Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumour along with a small, cancer-free margin of healthy tissue around the tumour. Mastectomy: Surgical removal of the entire breast. A few surgeries are conducted to check if any of the lymph nodes near the breast contain cancer: Sentinel lymph node biopsy: This type of surgery removes 1-3 lymph nodes from under the arm to see if the nodes are free of cancer Axillary lymph node dissection: If cancer is detected in the lymph nodes, this type of surgery is done to remove many lymph nodes from under the arm. This is done to prevent the spread of cancer. Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: This type of breast cancer surgery involves the removal of both the breast to minimise the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. 2. Radiation Therapy Powerful radiation beams are used to destroy cancer cells. 3. Hormonal Therapy If the cancer is hormone-receptor-positive, i.e., has both estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors, then hormonal therapy is used by a breast cancer doctor to block the production of these hormones. 4. Chemotherapy Use of medications to destroy cancerous cells or shrink their size before surgery.

Q: How often should you perform a breast self-examination (BSE)?

1. If you're still on your period, the optimum time to perform BSE is: When your breasts aren't as painful or swollen. It is usually 5 to 10 days after your cycle starts. 2. If you don't have your period anymore, set a reminder for yourself. Check your breasts on the first of every month. 3. A breast self-exam is also recommended for all males at high risk for breast cancer. Every month, perform a breast self-examination. Other symptoms that indicate you should see a doctor about breast cancer include: Thickening, a lump, or a tight knot Clotting, heat, dryness, as well as spots on the skin Size or shape of breast changes Itchiness, scaly sore or rash on the nipple, dimpling or puckering of the skin Pulling of your nipple or any other body parts Nipple discharge that appears from nowhere

Q: What is the procedure for getting a breast cancer screening?

The different procedures of getting a breast cancer screening are: Clinical breast exam: Here, breasts are physically examined by a doctor who uses his hand to feel lumps or any other changes in the breasts. Mammography: An X-ray of the breasts which is considered the best technique to detect cancer at an early stage. It can even show the lumps or other changes before a patient or doctor can feel them. There are three types of mammography: Film Mammography: The technique results in an X-ray picture of the breast Digital Mammography: The technique results in a computer based picture of the breast Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT): The technique results in pictures of breasts from many different angles to finally make 3-D pictures of the breasts. Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This technique uses radio waves to take pictures of the breasts. It is mostly used for women who are at high risk for breast cancer; either due to family history of the disease or other underlying conditions. Breast Ultrasound: This is used for pregnant women who cannot be exposed to X-rays used in mammography or who are unable to undergo an MRI examination. This technique is also for those with dense breast tissue (less fat and lots of ducts, glands and tissues), which makes it harder to detect cancers with traditional mammography.

Q: How does a breast cancer doctor detect or diagnose breast cancer in India?

Breast cancer is diagnosed using a variety of tests and procedures, which include the following: Breast exam : Your doctor will examine both of your breasts as well as the lymph nodes in your armpit to see whether everything is normal or if anything is wrong. Mammography - An Xray of the breast is called a mammography. They are frequently used to detect breast cancer. If something abnormal is discovered during a screening mammography, your doctor will recommend additional treatment options. Ultrasound- It is a technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of structures deep within the body. A new breast lump can be diagnosed as a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst using ultrasound. Taking a sample of breast cells for testing (biopsy)- A biopsy is the only means to confirm a breast cancer diagnosis. During a biopsy, your doctor extracts a core of tissue from the questionable location using a specialized needle instrument guided by an X-ray or another imaging test. A tiny metal marker is frequently left at the spot within your breast so that subsequent imaging tests may easily identify the region. Biopsy samples are submitted to a facility for testing, and specialists evaluate if the cells are malignant. It's also examined to see what kind of cells are involved in the breast cancer, how advanced it is, and whether the cancer cells contain hormone receptors or other receptors that might be harmful. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI scanner that creates images of the inside of your breast using a strong magnetic fields and radio waves . A dye injection is given before to a breast MRI. An MRI does not employ radiation to produce pictures, unlike other forms of imaging procedures.

Q: How long does it take to recover from breast cancer treatment ?

Various factors determine the recovery time of breast cancer. The treatment depends on the early stage or advanced stage of breast cancer. Your doctor will only be able to tell you an assessment based on how far your cancer has gone through the breast tissue and its stage. However, the process through it goes as follows: Surgical - It will take a few days or a week to recover from a less complicated surgery. But if the individual had a major operation, it would take around a few weeks based on your operation. Medical - Medical treatments include drugs and pills or medicines given in your veins, such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy. After surgery, the doctor will recommend you the treatment based on your stage and condition. The recovery time after this procedure varies for every patient. Yet it takes three months at least to get recovered from one session. Radiation - Depending on the patient's condition doctor may recommend radiation therapy. Skin reactions from radiation therapy are dominant for 1-2 weeks after your therapy. To recover it would take a few weeks to 2 months, depending patient's condition.

Hello. My Mother is in Bangladesh and has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has a lump of 2x0.2x0.2 cm and Nuclear grade II. Could you please let me know - 1. what is the stage of her cancer? 2. What would be the treatment? 3. What would be the cost for treatment in India. Thanks and regards,

2 Answers

Dr. Akash Dhuru.

Oncologist

Ask Question

Answered on 19th June '24

The staging will depend on the status of lymph nodes and other factors. Treatment will include surgery as major part along with chemo and radiation. You can visit a surgical oncologist in Mumbai for advice for the same.

2 people found this helpful

Pankaj Kamble

Member of team ClinicSpots.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Hello Anjuman,
As you have mentioned we will try to answer your 3 questions.
We are afraid that the details you have mentioned is not enough to determine, at what stage the cancer is now. The stage of cancer depends upon different factors like the:
Size of the tumour.
How close the tumour is to the lymph nodes and whether it has been effected.
Whether the tumour has spread to other organs From the details you have given we can only say that the cancer is stage 2 or greater.
Treatment for breast cancer depends on at what stage the cancer is in. There are different kind of treatments available for breast cancer. These are the different treatments available for different stages of breast cancer:
Stage 0 : Mastectomy (Surgical Removal of breast), Lumpectomy with and without radiation(Surgical Removal of Lump), Hormonal therapy
Stage 1 : Total Mastectomy, Lumpectomy with radiation, Surgical Removal of Lymph nodes, Chemotherapy(May be recommended), Hormonal Therapy, Targeted Therapy
Stage 2 : Total Mastectomy with or without radiation, Lumpectomy with radiation, Surgical Removal of Lymph nodes, Chemotherapy (Commonly Recommended), Hormonal Therapy, Targeted Therapy
Stage 3 : Total Mastectomy with or without radiation, Chemotherapy followed by Lumpectomy and Radiation, Hormonal Therapy, Targeted Therapy
Stage 4 : Surgery followed by radiation, Chemotherapy (Mostly recommended), Hormonal Therapy, Targeted Therapy, Treatment to other parts of the body is also done in case cancer has spread.
The cost of breast cancer depends on the stage and intensity of the cancer. The cost of surgery in a private hospital will be around the range 4000 USD - 6000 USD( 278,000 INR - 417,000INR ). Chemotherapy prices entirely depend on the prices of drugs. For a rough estimation the cost range would be 800 USD - 1500 USD ( 56,000 INR - 105,000 INR ).
We recommend you to visit an oncologist quickly. We hope this information helps you and we wish your mother a speedy recovery. On this page you will find best hospitals to treat her in India - Cancer Hospitals in India.

39 people found this helpful

Questions & Answers on "Breast Cancer" (60)

I have slight pain in my left breast

Female | 29

Kindly get it examined by a clinician and preferably a sonomammography.

Answered on 6th June '24

Dr. Akash Dhuru.

Please tell me how Mastectomy works. Are breasts conserved in this treatment or are they removed in this procedure?

Mastectomy is removal of breast. But further details are needed which are not mentioned by you, to answer your concern. Still consult general surgeons who will examine and evaluate you and then guide you regarding the procedure. Hope our answer helps you.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Babita Goel

So I'm a teen and one of my breasts have been hurting recently so I felt it and I feel like a lump or just something hard behind it but on my other breast it just feels how they usually for me usually. And one is browner than the other and the circle inside the circle is inverted and the other one is t and I'm scared it's something serious

Female | 13

One should consult with a doctor if they observe some abnormal breast changes. A swelling or hardness in the breast area could be an indicator of various situations that include breast cancer. Consult a gynecologist or a breast specialist for an exam.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Sridhar Susheela

Hi, I have stage 2 Breast cancer. Which is the best hospital for treatment? Please suggest a name of doctor also.

Female | 34

You can visit your nearest Surgica Oncologist. If you are in Mumbai you can connect with me. Dr Akash Dhuru (Surgical Oncologist)

Answered on 19th June '24

Dr. Akash Dhuru.

I want to know about Triple-negative breast cancer as our doctor hinted that my aunt has signs of this specific type of breast cancer.

Female | 57

The term triple-negative breast cancer means that the cancer cells do not have estrogen or progesterone receptors and does not make too much of the protein called HER2. ( therefore the cells test "negative" on all 3 tests.)

Triple-negative breast cancer has less treatment options available than other types of invasive breast cancer. The reason being the cancer cells do not have enough estrogen or progesterone receptors or HER2 protein for hormone therapy or targeted drugs to work.

Treatment options are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery mainly. But consulting clinician on time and starting the treatment is important. Regular follow up with doctor with lifestyle modifications and counselling will help. Consult an oncologist.

Hope our answer helps you.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Babita Goel

I suffering breast cancer I want to take best option for me, if I take decision for surgery, what is. estimated cost

Female | 45

Breast cancer may be surgically cured by a mastectomy or a breast conservation surgery. Please consult once to discuss what will be best for you.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Shubham Jain

Main 19 year girl hu mujhe 8 din se suddenly left brest main gath jaisa mehsus ho raha iska reason bataye

महिला | 19

One of the breast's lumps may be frightening, but it is necessary to stay calm. In your age group, it is less likely to be a serious problem. This could be due to hormonal changes, some cysts, or fibroadenomas. Visit an oncologist for a check-up. These lumps sometimes go away without any treatment, but it is better to get it checked to be safe.

Answered on 3rd Sept '24

Dr. Donald Babu

can breast cancer develop in 6 months

Female | 25

Yes, it's possible for breast cancer to show up quite quickly, in as little as 6 months. Being alert to any changes and consulting your doctor if something seems unusual is critical for early detection and treatment.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Donald Babu

Hello sir, my wife told me yesterday that there is a lump around her breast. What further steps should I take to determine if it is cancerous or not? As of now, the lump around her breast is painless. Do I need to visit an oncologist?

Female | 41

As per my understanding your wife is having a painless lump in her breast which is the cause of concern. You consult a surgeon first and get your wife thoroughly examined and evaluated .Only after that will it be clear what her diagnosis is and the required treatment will be advised. Consult Breast Surgery doctors in Mumbai, or in any other city.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Babita Goel

Am having a painful ball in my breast for about four years now pls help me

Male | 20

A painful lump in the breast that has been there for four years could be a sign of something serious, like a cyst or even breast cancer. Please visit a breast surgeon or an oncologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Answered on 3rd Sept '24

Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan

I am having extreme pain in my left nipple

Female | 22

It feels painful in the nipple due to a range of causes such as injury, infection, or sometimes even hormonal changes. Be sure to wear loose clothes so as not to make things worse and stop them from rubbing against anything that might irritate them further. You could also try applying a warm compress on it; this might help soothe the pain temporarily but if it’s still there after a while then please go see an oncologist about this as soon as possible.

Answered on 10th June '24

Dr. Sridhar Susheela

Hi am 18 years old female...and I feel hardness in my right side breast same like as lump and pain in my both breast ... sometimes there are some 1-3 red spots rashes upper my breast..

Female | 18

You may be undergoing symptoms associated with your breast health. The hardness of the right breast that you are feeling could be a lump, which might be produced by hormonal changes or the process of inflammation. The pain in both breasts may be caused by either hormonal fluctuations or wearing an improperly fitted bra. The red spots or rashes could be a result of a skin reaction. Regarding these issues, you should ensure you are wearing a bra that fits you properly and then seek consultation with an oncologist for further evaluation and guidance.

Answered on 27th Aug '24

Dr. Donald Babu

I have breast cancer, but there are no mutations in the genetic test in 70 genes, what could cause cancer?

Female | 28

Breast cancer can have various causes, and not all cases are linked to genetic mutations. Factors like age, family history, hormones, reproductive history, etc. can also contribute to breast cancer risk. It's a complex disease and personalized treatment plans are required. Consult with an oncologist for accurate guidance.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Nisarg Patel

I'm 19 and I'm a female I have a tumor in my left breast, I don't know when it appears exactly but it's been two years since I noticed it, earlier I had a kind of acne in my breast but I'm not sure if it is the same one, it was big, brown and hurts when I press it but it disappeared by the time, now the tumor get bigger than before and became so painful even without touching it, I didn't notice any discharges or change in the skin yet, in addition to that I'm not able to go and check it in my current location so can you please help me I can't take it anymore.

Female | 19

The painful breast mass you're experiencing could be due to various conditions, such as fibroadenomas or breast cysts, but it’s important to take note of it. However, if the lump has been present for two years and is now growing and becoming more painful, it's crucial to rule out more serious conditions like breast cancer. Since I can’t examine you in person, I strongly recommend seeking medical attention immediately, especially given these changes. The earlier treatment begins, the better the potential outcome.

Answered on 23rd Oct '24

Dr. Donald Babu

Patient is having pain in left brest also feel something is moving inside

Female | 31

If you are experiencing pain in your left breast and feel something moving inside, it is important to consult a doctor. These symptoms may be due to various reasons, and it is best to visit a breast specialist or a general surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can guide you with the appropriate care and tests needed.

Answered on 19th July '24

Dr. Babita Goel

As per sonography report is sates -. Both breast shows---- E/o Small coarse cakcification noted in left breast upper outer quadrant of size approx.. 2.6 mm...?due to old infective etiology or chronic inflammatory So we did mammogram as per report Findings: Both breasts consist of mixed scatured fitroglandular and fatty tissue. (ACR type II) No obvious focal spiculated mass lesion, retraction of tissues or cluster of microcalcifications is seen in either breast to suggest the presence of malignancy. No axillary lymph nodes are noted. Sonomamography screening: Both breast consist of mixed fibroglandular and fatty tissue. No SOL is noted. No duct ecatia is noted. IMPRESSION: No significant abnormality in both breasts. (BIRADS 1). Suggest-Follow up after 1 year for routine check up. Is there any case of worry

Female | 52

According to the tests, there’s no evidence of any major problem such as cancer in either breast, which is fantastic news. The tiny calcification found in the left breast could have resulted from an old infection or inflammation. Currently, there’s no cause for alarm but it’s essential to have another checkup next year to be safe. In case you observe any unusual changes in your breasts before then, please let your doctor know.

Answered on 20th July '24

Dr. Donald Babu

Hello. My Mother is in Bangladesh and has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has a lump of 2x0.2x0.2 cm and Nuclear grade II. Could you please let me know - 1. what is the stage of her cancer? 2. What would be the treatment? 3. What would be the cost for treatment in India. Thanks and regards,

The staging will depend on the status of lymph nodes and other factors. Treatment will include surgery as major part along with chemo and radiation. You can visit a surgical oncologist in Mumbai for advice for the same.

Answered on 19th June '24

Dr. Akash Dhuru.

Name sarani toppo world like to ask that recently diagnosed with TNBC .PDL-1 test report is positive Is it mandatory to go for immunotherapy

Female | 37

TNBC is a type of breast cancer that is difficult to treat. A positive PDL-1 test could mean that immunotherapy would be effective. You don’t have to, but it can help your immune system fight off cancer cells more effectively. Immunotherapy adjusts your body’s defenses so they can attack the cancer better. Make sure you discuss this with your oncologist though.

Answered on 10th June '24

Dr. Donald Babu

I’m 33 years old female . I am a fitness coach and maiming my body well. I am having pain around my breast ,intially I thought it’s a mucles pain but later I realised it’s not coz of that .my metabolism is also disturbed .I’m vegetarian.what should I do ? Which scan or test will you recommend ?

Female | 33

Muscle pain can be common for fitness coaches, but this seems different. As a vegetarian, you might have deficiencies in certain nutrients. Get a blood test to check your vitamin levels. It’s best to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Answered on 30th Oct '24

Dr. Babita Goel

I had 2 lumps ( fiberdenoma ) on my left breast and it's easily movable ...and I found the lump on November 2023 now also it has not gone ...now I was feeling a lump on my right breast also ...and it also easily movable...not having any health issues anything like that

Female | 22

Fibroadenomas are the predominant cause of these lumps. They are caused by hormonal changes and they are not cancer. They can be discovered on their own due to fluctuating hormones when a woman's period cycles. They are painless, moveable, and without any problem. To be perfectly sure, one should go to the hospital and get it examined thoroughly. Even if it is frequent the hospital may demand additional tests. Keep in mind not to freak out but you'll require a professional check for any changes in your breasts that are unaccountable by logic.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Sridhar Susheela

What are the possible treatments for breast cancer and their costs in India?

Hello. My Mother is in Bangladesh and has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has a lump of 2x0.2x0.2 cm and Nuclear grade II. Could you please let me know - 1. what is the stage of her cancer? 2. What would be the treatment? 3. What would be the cost for treatment in India. Thanks and regards,

The staging will depend on the status of lymph nodes and other factors. Treatment will include surgery as major part along with chemo and radiation. You can visit a surgical oncologist in Mumbai for advice for the same.

Pankaj Kamble

Questions & Answers on "Breast Cancer" (60)

I have slight pain in my left breast

Please tell me how Mastectomy works. Are breasts conserved in this treatment or are they removed in this procedure?

Hi, I have stage 2 Breast cancer. Which is the best hospital for treatment? Please suggest a name of doctor also.

I want to know about Triple-negative breast cancer as our doctor hinted that my aunt has signs of this specific type of breast cancer.

I suffering breast cancer I want to take best option for me, if I take decision for surgery, what is. estimated cost

Main 19 year girl hu mujhe 8 din se suddenly left brest main gath jaisa mehsus ho raha iska reason bataye

can breast cancer develop in 6 months

Hello sir, my wife told me yesterday that there is a lump around her breast. What further steps should I take to determine if it is cancerous or not? As of now, the lump around her breast is painless. Do I need to visit an oncologist?

Am having a painful ball in my breast for about four years now pls help me

I am having extreme pain in my left nipple

Hi am 18 years old female...and I feel hardness in my right side breast same like as lump and pain in my both breast ... sometimes there are some 1-3 red spots rashes upper my breast..

I have breast cancer, but there are no mutations in the genetic test in 70 genes, what could cause cancer?

Patient is having pain in left brest also feel something is moving inside

Hello. My Mother is in Bangladesh and has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has a lump of 2x0.2x0.2 cm and Nuclear grade II. Could you please let me know - 1. what is the stage of her cancer? 2. What would be the treatment? 3. What would be the cost for treatment in India. Thanks and regards,

Name sarani toppo world like to ask that recently diagnosed with TNBC .PDL-1 test report is positive Is it mandatory to go for immunotherapy

I had 2 lumps ( fiberdenoma ) on my left breast and it's easily movable ...and I found the lump on November 2023 now also it has not gone ...now I was feeling a lump on my right breast also ...and it also easily movable...not having any health issues anything like that

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any options for financial assistance for breast cancer treatment in India?

Can breast cancer treatment be done at a lower cost in India?

Is breast cancer treatment covered by insurance in India?

What are the various treatment options available for breast cancer in India?

How often should you perform a breast self-examination (BSE)?

What is the procedure for getting a breast cancer screening?

How does a breast cancer doctor detect or diagnose breast cancer in India?

How long does it take to recover from breast cancer treatment ?

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