What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a malignant growth in the breast tissue, affecting primarily women but also occasionally men. It develops when abnormal breast cells grow uncontrollably, potentially forming a tumour and spreading to other parts of the body. It is the most common cancer among women globally and accounts for 1 in 28 women in India being diagnosed in their lifetime.
Symptoms often include lumps, persistent breast pain, swelling, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape. Early-stage breast cancer, if detected through mammography, has a 5-year survival rate of up to 99%. However, late detection, common in India due to lack of awareness and stigma, significantly worsens outcomes. Subtypes include invasive ductal carcinoma, the most frequent, and triple-negative breast cancer, known for its aggressiveness.
Treatment depends on cancer type and stage, and typically involves:
- Surgery – lumpectomy or mastectomy to remove tumours or entire breast
- Chemotherapy – to destroy cancer cells before or after surgery
- Radiation therapy – to prevent local recurrence
- Hormonal therapy – for hormone receptor-positive cancers
- Targeted therapy – for HER2-positive cancers
- Immunotherapy – in select advanced cases
Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries are increasingly available for better cosmetic results and quicker recovery.
Why Choose India for Breast Cancer Treatment?
India has become a major hub for affordable, world-class breast cancer treatment. Leading hospitals in Delhi and NCR such as Max Super Speciality Hospital (Saket), Medanta – The Medicity (Gurgaon), Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurgaon), and Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals (Delhi) offer:
- Multidisciplinary cancer care teams including surgical oncologists, radiation specialists, and medical oncologists
- Access to advanced technologies such as robotic surgery, intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), and genomic testing
- Personalised treatment plans based on genetic mutations (e.g. BRCA1/BRCA2) and cancer markers (e.g. HER2)
- Short waiting times and Multilingual coordinators for international patients
Breast cancer care in India provides global-standard outcomes with lower financial burden. A comprehensive treatment plan in India costs a fraction of what it would in the US or Europe, without compromising safety or effectiveness.
Cost & Duration Summary
Average Cost in India: USD 3,000 – 7,000
Hospital Stay Required: 2 – 5 days (for surgery), outpatient for other care
Post-Treatment Stay in India: 2 – 4 weeks (initial recovery, follow-ups)