Many women first notice a breast change during daily activities like bathing or getting dressed. A small lump may be felt. It may not be painful. Often, it does not seem urgent, and so it gets ignored or postponed. In some cases, these early changes are linked to breast cancer, which can begin quietly and without obvious warning signs.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In India, a large number of women are still diagnosed at a late stage. This often happens because early symptoms are missed, regular screening is not done due to lack of awareness, or medical care is delayed due to uncertainty or fear.
Being aware of your body and acting early gives you more control over the next steps. Early diagnosis opens the door to more effective treatment.
This article explains the basics of breast cancer—what it is, how it is detected, how it is treated, and how the right care and support during and after treatment can make your life easier, and the treatment effective for your long-lasting health.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer develops when cells in the breast start growing in an uncontrolled manner. These abnormal cells can form a lump or mass.
Most breast cancers start in the milk ducts, which carry milk to the nipple, or the lobules, which produce milk. Some breast cancers are harmless (non-invasive or benign), meaning they have not spread beyond the breast and can be surgically removed. Others are invasive (spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of the body) and need more extensive treatment.
Common types of breast cancer
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – an early, non-invasive form
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) – the most common type
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) – starts in the lobules and may be harder to detect
Doctors also classify breast cancer based on hormone receptors and HER2 (a Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) status, as this affects treatment decisions.
What causes Breast Cancer in females?
Breast cancer does not have a single, obvious cause or risk factor, but stems from a combination of multiple health factors such as age, genetics, hormones, and lifestyle.
Some risk factors cannot be changed — age, family history, and inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. Others relate to lifestyle or hormone exposure, such as weight gain after menopause, alcohol intake, low physical activity, or long-term hormone therapy.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean a woman will definitely develop breast cancer. At the same time, women without known risk factors can still be diagnosed. This is why breast cancer awareness is important for all women, regardless of age or family history.
Breast Cancer Symptoms and Early Detection
In the early stages, breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. This is one reason it is often detected late, especially in India, where routine screening is less common.
Symptoms and Warning Signs of Breast Cancer
Seek medical advice if you notice any of the following changes in your breast:
- A new lump in the breast or underarm
- Change in breast size, shape, colour, or appearance
- Skin dimpling, redness, or thickening
- Nipple turning inward
- Nipple discharge, especially if blood-stained
- Persistent pain in one area of the breast
How to Check for Breast Cancer at Home
At home, women can regularly check their breasts to notice any changes. This includes feeling for new lumps, thickening, or changes in shape, skin, or nipples.
Home checks do not replace medical tests, but they help you notice changes early so you can seek medical advice promptly.
Early detection of breast cancer usually allows simpler treatment and better recovery. Paying attention to changes and acting early can make a significant difference.
How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
When a breast change is evaluated, doctors usually begin with imaging tests such as a mammogram or ultrasound. In some cases, an MRI may be advised.
Newer tools like 3D mammography, image-guided biopsy, molecular testing for hormone and HER2 receptor status, and genetic testing (for people with family history) may also be used on a case-by-case basis. These tests are generally safe, with only minor temporary discomfort in most people.
If imaging or other tests show an area of concern, a biopsy is done. This involves taking a small tissue sample to confirm whether cancer is present. Additional tests help determine how advanced the cancer is and whether it responds to hormones or targeted medicines.
This stage can feel overwhelming because it often involves multiple appointments, reports, and specialists.
Treatment of Breast Cancer
Treatment depends on the type of breast cancer, its stage, and the person’s overall health – and there is no single treatment plan that fits everyone.
Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted medicines. Many women receive more than one type of treatment over time, and this usually continues for several months.
While some people continue working during this period, others may need rest and support.
Living through Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer affects more than the body. Fatigue, emotional stress, changes in appearance, and shifts in daily routines are common.
Support during this time matters. This may include counselling, nutrition guidance, physiotherapy after surgery, or simply having someone explain reports and next steps clearly. Sharing concerns with the care team helps manage side effects and reduces unnecessary stress.
Having a dedicated care team and an end-to-end support system for patients and caregivers, such as Jhappie Healthcare, can prove extremely helpful during this phase.
How to prevent Breast Cancer: Survival, Follow-up, and Risk Reduction
Breast cancer cannot always be prevented, but certain healthy habits may reduce risk. Care, too, doesn’t stop once treatment ends. Ongoing follow-up helps ensure recovery is on track and allows doctors to detect any concerns early.
Simple habits that support overall health include staying active, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and not missing follow-up visits. Breastfeeding, when possible, has been shown to reduce breast cancer risk over time.
While following these measures doesn’t guarantee that the cancer will not relapse, they support overall healing and long-term health, offering a significant safeguard against a recurrence, and improved prognosis even in case of a relapse.
Answering your questions around Breast Cancer
Q1. Are all breast lumps cancerous?
A. No. Many lumps are benign. Any new or changing lump should still be checked.
Q2. At what age should breast cancer screening start?
A. This depends on age and personal risk. For women at average risk, mammograms are often advised between 40 and 50 years. Those with a family history or higher risk may need earlier screening and additional tests. A doctor can help decide the right age and method based on personal risk and health history.
Q3. Can younger women get breast cancer?
A. Yes. Although less common, breast cancer can occur in younger women.
Q4. Is breast cancer hereditary?
A. Only a small proportion of breast cancer cases (5- 10%) are linked to inherited genes.
Q5. Do lifestyle changes help with breast cancer?
A. Lifestyle changes and healthy habits support overall health and may reduce risk, but they don’t replace medical follow-up.
Q6. Can males have Breast Cancer?
A. Yes. Breast cancer can occur in men, though it is uncommon. Risk is higher with age and family history. Any breast or nipple change should be evaluated by a doctor.
Explore Care Coordination with Jhappie Healthcare
For many patients, the most difficult part is not the breast cancer diagnosis and treatment itself, but navigating the healthcare system — arranging tests, coordinating doctor visits, following up on reports, and knowing what to do next.
This is where Jhappie Healthcare can be helpful. Jhappie’s SHE-Suite for Women is a dedicated, one-of-a-kind Women’s healthcare team with the best gynecologists and care professionals. We support patients and families by coordinating breast cancer diagnostics, consultations, treatment follow-ups, and recovery care, all so that the already overwhelming process feels easier and less chaotic for you.
If you’re unsure where to begin, waiting for reports, or already in treatment and need help staying on track, early support can reduce delays and confusion.
Reach out to Jhappie Healthcare to get a timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and a personalised care and management plan for optimum health and happiness of you and your loved ones.
Disclaimer
This blog is for information purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
