Breast cancer occurs when breast cells mutate and become cancerous cells that multiply and form tumors. It usually affects women aged 50 and older, but it can also affect men, as well as younger women. Breast cancer, simply put, begins when cells within the breast tissue, often in the ducts behind the nipple or lobules deeper in the gland, start growing in an uncontrolled way.
Self-Examination & Early Detection
A simple self-examination once a month, ideally 5–7 days after the menstrual cycle, can help. Use the flat of your fingers to feel the entire breast, from the collarbone down to the fold beneath the breast, and from the sternum to the outer edge near the armpit. Small changes, even a 1–2 cm firm area that wasn’t there before, are worth noting. Screening adds another layer of safety. Mammography after 40 years is usually advised annually, or earlier if there is a strong family history.
Not all breast cancers are painful. In fact, most early lumps are painless.
Things patients commonly describe:
Sometimes, the primary lump is not easily felt, but a node in the armpit brings the patient in.
Depending on the stage and biology of the tumour, the approach may include:
Some patients are surprised when chemotherapy is advised before surgery. This is often done to shrink a tumour measuring, say, 4–5 cm, making it easier to operate and sometimes allowing breast conservation. Consult oncologists at UMC Hospitals, the best cancer hospital in Navi Mumbai, for expert care.
Breast-Conserving Surgery vs Mastectomy
If the tumour is small relative to breast size and confined, breast-conserving surgery can remove only the lump with a margin of normal tissue. This is usually followed by radiation. Cosmetically, the breast shape is often preserved.
Mastectomy or removal of the entire breast is considered when the tumour is large, involves multiple areas, or if there are specific patient factors. Reconstruction, either immediate or delayed, is an option many patients explore.
Breast Cancer: Recovery and Rehabilitation Care
Most patients take about 2–3 weeks to resume routine activities after surgery, though arm stiffness on the operated side is common. Gentle shoulder exercises are started early to prevent long-term restriction. Fatigue during chemotherapy is something many patients underestimate. Appetite changes, hair loss, and emotional stress also need addressing. Counselling, nutrition guidance, and family support make a significant difference here. Over time, months, sometimes a year, energy levels usually improve.
At UMC Hospitals, our team is committed to offering advanced breast cancer treatment in Navi Mumbai. Patients and families often look for clarity and coordination more than anything else. What matters in practice is:
Each case of breast cancer is different. And that is where careful, patient-specific planning makes all the difference. Consult expert oncologists at our Department of Medical & Surgical Oncology for compassionate, personalized, and effective breast cancer care.
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