Timely detection, genetic risk assessment and personalised treatment can significantly improve breast cancer outcomes, doctors said at an awareness session organised by HCG Cancer Hospitals in Kolkata.
Speaking during an interaction with Debjani Guha, Mrs India Queen of Substance and runner-up at Woman of the Universe 2025, Dr Jyoti Gupta, Consultant, Breast Surgery, said breast cancer care today is highly individualised and that early detection offers the best chance of cure while helping preserve quality of life. According to IARC-GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, India recorded 1,92,020 new breast cancer cases, accounting for 26.6 per cent of all cancers among women. Experts said the disease can affect women across age groups and stressed that no breast change should be ignored.
The session also highlighted the growing role of genetic testing for mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, particularly for women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Dr Gupta, who recently walked the red carpet as an invitee at the Cannes Film Festival, said the message needed to travel beyond clinics: awareness saves lives, early detection matters, and no woman should suffer in silence.
“International data show survival of over 99 per cent for localised breast cancer when detected early. That is why awareness, screening and timely treatment must become a shared public health priority,” said Dr Rupali Basu, Regional Business Head, East & AP.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Do not ignore:
- A painless lump in the breast or armpit
- Change in breast size or shape
- Nipple discharge
- Nipple retraction
- Skin dimpling, redness or thickening
- Persistent breast pain
- A wound or sore that does not heal
Not every change is cancer, but every suspicious change should be medically checked.
