Breast Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad

Advanced Breast Oncology Care With Compassion, Expertise and Innovation

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it has become the most frequently diagnosed cancer globally, with approximately 2.3 million new cases each year. Early detection and access to specialised oncology care can significantly improve outcomes.

Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad is a trusted centre for comprehensive breast cancer treatment, offering cutting-edge diagnostic technology, highly qualified oncologists, and compassionate patient care throughout every stage of treatment.

 

1. Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast cancer develops when malignant cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably, forming tumours. While women are most commonly affected—particularly those aged 50 and above—breast cancer can also occur in younger women and, rarely, in men.

Advances in breast cancer screening now enable medical practitioners to detect the disease at earlier stages, when treatment is most effective. While a complete cure is not always possible, early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and improves life expectancy.

 

Risk Factors

Being female and advancing age are the most significant risk factors for breast cancer. The majority of cases are diagnosed in individuals aged 50 and above. Other factors that increase risk include:

 

• Family history: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer.
• Genetic mutations: BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 gene mutations significantly increase breast cancer risk.
• Prior radiation therapy: Women who received chest or breast radiation before age 30.
• Hormonal factors: Early menstruation (before age 12) and late menopause (after age 55), which result in prolonged hormone exposure.
• Post-menopausal obesity: Women who are overweight after menopause face higher risk.

Important: Having risk factors does not guarantee you will develop breast cancer, and the absence of known risk factors does not mean you will never develop it.

 

2. Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is classified in two ways:

 

• where it starts in the breast
• how it behaves and responds to treatment.
• Your doctor will use both to plan the best treatment for you.

 

A. Types Based on Where Cancer Starts

Type	What It Means
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)	Starts in milk ducts and spreads to nearby tissue. Most common type (7-8 out of 10 cases)
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)	Starts in milk-producing glands (lobules). Second most common type.
Tubular Carcinoma	Tube-shaped cells. Very good outlook
Mucinous Carcinoma	Cancer cells float in mucus. Usually slow-growing.
Papillary Carcinoma	Finger-like growths. Usually good outlook
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)	Breast looks red, swollen, and warm. Rare but aggressive
Metaplastic Carcinoma	Cancer cells change into unusual forms. Rare and aggressive

 

B. Types Based on How Cancer Behaves

After a biopsy, cancer is tested for oestrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and HER2 protein.

Type	Test Results	Treatment Implications
Hormone Receptor-Positive	ER+ or PR+	Grows with hormones. Hormone-blocking medicines work well. Most common type.
HER2-Positive	HER2+	Too much HER2 protein. Targeted medicines like Trastuzumab work well.
Triple-Negative	ER-, PR-, HER2-	Lacks all three markers. Chemotherapy is main treatment. Immunotherapy available.

 

Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment Options in Hyderabad

At Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, every patient receives a treatment plan designed specifically for them, based on the type of cancer, its stage, overall health, and personal preferences.

 

Medicines to Treat Breast Cancer

There are different types of medicines used to treat breast cancer. Your doctor will recommend the best options based on your individual cancer type, stage, and test results.

 

Chemotherapy

• What it is: Medicines that kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells.
• How it is given: Usually administered through a drip (IV) in a comfortable day-care setting, though some chemotherapy is available in tablet form.

When it is used:

• Before surgery (neoadjuvant): To shrink the tumour.
• After surgery (adjuvant): To destroy any remaining cancer cells.
• For advanced cancer: To control the disease.
• Side effects: These may include tiredness, nausea, hair loss, and low immunity. The medical team provides support to help manage these effects.

 

Hormone Therapy (Endocrine Therapy)

• What it is: Medicines that block or lower hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) that help some breast cancers grow.
• Who it helps: Patients with hormone receptor-positive (ER+ or PR+) breast cancer—the most common type.
• Common medicines: * Tamoxifen: Commonly used in premenopausal women.
  • Aromatase inhibitors: Such as Letrozole and Anastrozole; commonly used in postmenopausal women.
• How long: Usually taken daily as a tablet for 5 to 10 years.
• Side effects: May include hot flashes, joint pain, and mood changes, which can usually be managed.

 

Targeted Therapy

• What it is: Medicines that target specific proteins or genes on cancer cells, blocking their growth.
• Who it helps: Patients whose cancer tests positive for certain markers.

Common types:

• HER2-targeted therapy: Such as Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and Pertuzumab; for HER2-positive breast cancer.
• CDK4/6 inhibitors: Such as Palbociclib and Ribociclib; for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.
• PARP inhibitors: Such as Olaparib; for patients with BRCA gene mutations.

How it is given: Some are administered as IV infusions, while others are taken as tablets.

 

Immunotherapy

• What it is: Medicines that help your body's immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.
• Who it helps: Mainly patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
• Common medicine: Pembrolizumab (Keytruda); often used with chemotherapy.
• How it is given: Through a drip (IV infusion).

 

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)

• What it is: A newer type of treatment that combines a targeted antibody with a chemotherapy drug. The antibody delivers the chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, which reduces damage to healthy cells.

 

Common Medicines (ADCs)

• Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu): For HER2-positive or HER2-low breast cancer.
• Sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy): For triple-negative breast cancer.

 

When Will I Receive These Medicines?

Your treatment plan depends on your individual situation:

Timing	Purpose
Before surgery (Neoadjuvant)	To shrink the tumour, making surgery easier or possible.
After surgery (Adjuvant)	To destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
For advanced/metastatic cancer	To control the disease and improve quality of life.

 

Surgery: Removing the Cancer

Surgery is often the first step in treating breast cancer. The goal is to remove the cancer completely while preserving as much of your breast as possible.

 

Types of Breast Surgery

• Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy): Removes only the tumour and a small margin of healthy tissue around it. The rest of the breast is preserved. This is usually followed by radiation therapy.
• Mastectomy: Removes the entire breast. This may be recommended if the tumour is large, if there are multiple tumours, or based on your preference.

 

Checking the Lymph Nodes

• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Removes only one or two lymph nodes in the underarm to check if cancer has spread. If these nodes are clear, no further lymph node surgery is needed, reducing the risk of arm swelling (lymphoedema).
• Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Removes more lymph nodes and is done only when necessary, such as when cancer has clearly spread to multiple nodes.

 

Breast Reconstruction and Oncoplastic Surgery

• Breast Reconstruction: If you need a mastectomy, breast reconstruction can restore the shape of your breast. This can be done at the same time as your cancer surgery (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). Options include using implants or your own body tissue.
• Oncoplastic Surgery: Our surgeons use oncoplastic techniques that combine cancer removal with plastic surgery principles. This helps achieve better cosmetic results, even with larger tumours.
• Type I
• Type II — locoregional flaps & Free flaps.

 

Radiation Therapy: Precise Treatment to Destroy Cancer Cells

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is often given after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the chance of cancer coming back. At Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, advanced techniques are used to target cancer accurately while protecting healthy tissue:

 

• 3D IMRT Conformal Therapy: These techniques shape the radiation beam to match the tumour, reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Uses imaging during treatment to target the tumour precisely.
• Breath-Hold Techniques: Protects your heart during treatment, which is especially important for left-sided breast cancer.
• Shorter Treatment Courses (Hypofractionation): Shorter radiation schedules are now offered that are just as safe and effective as longer ones. Instead of 5 weeks of daily treatment, many patients can complete radiation in just 3 weeks—with the same results, fewer hospital visits, and fewer side effects.
• Less Treatment to the Underarm (Axilla): For many patients with early breast cancer and limited spread to lymph nodes, extensive underarm surgery or radiation may no longer be needed. Based on landmark studies, treatment to the underarm area can be safely reduced, lowering the risk of arm swelling (lymphoedema) without affecting the outcome.

 

Radiology & Nuclear Medicine: Seeing Inside Your Body

Imaging tests help doctors find the cancer, see how far it has spread, plan treatment, and check how well treatment is working.
 

Finding and Diagnosing Breast Cancer

• Mammography: An X-ray of the breast used to detect cancer early, often before a lump can be felt. Digital mammography is used for clearer images.
• 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis): Takes multiple X-ray images from different angles, making it easier to find cancers, especially in women with dense breasts.
• Breast Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images. It helps determine if a lump is solid (requiring a biopsy) or fluid-filled (usually a harmless cyst).
• Breast MRI: Provides detailed images using magnetic fields. It is useful for mapping the cancer before surgery, checking for multiple tumours, and examining dense breasts more closely.

 

Checking If Cancer Has Spread (Staging)

• CT Scan: Takes detailed X-ray images of the chest, abdomen, and other areas to check if cancer has spread beyond the breast.
• PET-CT Scan: Combines a CT scan with a special dye that highlights cancer cells. It helps detect cancer spread throughout the body and monitors how well treatment is working.
• Bone Scan: Checks if cancer has spread to the bones.

 

Guiding Biopsies

If an imaging test finds something suspicious, our radiologists use image-guided biopsy techniques to take a small tissue sample for testing. This is done using ultrasound, mammography, or MRI guidance to ensure accuracy.

 

Pathology & Genetics: Understanding Your Cancer

After a biopsy or surgery, your tissue sample is sent to our pathology lab. Our pathologists examine the cancer cells closely to understand exactly what type of breast cancer you have and which treatments will work best for you.

 

Basic Tests on Your Cancer

• Hormone Receptor (ER/PR), HER2, Ki-67 Testing: These results tell your doctor which "type" your cancer is and guide your treatment plan.
   

Advanced Genomic Testing

In some cases, your doctor may recommend more detailed tests to look at the genes inside your cancer cells:

 

• Genomic Profiling Tests: (such as Oncotype DX, MammaPrint, Canassist) analyse multiple genes in your tumour. They can help predict whether chemotherapy will benefit you and your risk of the cancer coming back.
• Mutation Testing: Looks for specific gene changes that may respond to targeted therapies.
• Liquid Biopsy: A blood test that can detect cancer DNA in your blood. It may be used when tissue samples are limited or to monitor for cancer recurrence.

 

Hereditary Cancer Testing & Genetic Counselling

Some breast cancers run in families due to inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, we offer:

 

• Genetic Testing: To check if you carry an inherited gene mutation that increases cancer risk.
• Genetic Counselling: To help you understand your results, what they mean for your family members, and your options for risk reduction.
   

Anaesthesia & Critical Care: Keeping You Safe and Comfortable

Our anaesthesia team ensures you are safe, pain-free, and comfortable before, during, and after your surgery.

 

• Before Surgery: You will meet your anaesthetist before your operation. They will review your medical history, explain what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
• During Surgery: Our anaesthetists use modern techniques tailored for breast surgery, including:
• General Anaesthesia: You are fully asleep during the operation.
• Regional Anaesthesia (Nerve Blocks): Numbing specific areas to reduce pain during and after surgery. This can lower the need for strong pain medicines and help you recover faster.
• Surgical Coordination: Our team works closely with your surgeons throughout the operation to ensure everything goes smoothly.

 

After Surgery

• Pain Management: We use a combination of medicines and techniques to keep you comfortable. Our goal is to control pain while minimising side effects.
• Early Mobilisation: Our team will encourage you to move and walk soon after surgery. This helps prevent complications and speeds up your recovery.
• Recovery Monitoring: You will be monitored closely as you wake up from anaesthesia to ensure you are stable and comfortable.

 

Intensive Care (ICU)

Most breast cancer surgeries do not require ICU care. However, if you have other health conditions or if complications arise, our ICU team is available to provide specialised monitoring and support. Our anaesthesia and critical care team is dedicated to making your surgical experience as safe and comfortable as possible.

 

Rehabilitation, Nutrition & Supportive Care: Helping You Feel Better

Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Our supportive care team is here to help you stay strong, manage side effects, and improve your quality of life throughout your treatment and beyond.

Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation After breast surgery, you may experience stiffness, tightness, or reduced movement in your arm and shoulder. Our physiotherapists will help you with:

 

• Arm and Shoulder Exercises: To restore movement and strength after surgery.
• Posture Correction: To prevent long-term discomfort or imbalance.
• Lymphoedema Prevention and Management: Surgery or radiation to the lymph nodes can sometimes cause arm swelling (lymphoedema). Our therapists teach you exercises and techniques to reduce this risk. If swelling occurs, we provide specialised treatment including massage, compression garments, and exercise programmes.
• Nutrition Support: Good nutrition helps your body heal, fight infection, and cope with treatment. Our dietitians will work with you to:
• Maintain Your Strength: During chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy.
• Manage Treatment Side Effects: Such as nausea, taste changes, loss of appetite, or weight changes.
• Plan a Healthy Diet: For long-term recovery and to reduce the risk of cancer coming back.
• Managing Side Effects Our symptom-management specialists help you cope with common side effects:
• Fatigue: Feeling very tired is common during treatment. We can suggest ways to conserve energy and stay active.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Medicines and dietary changes can help control this.
• Neuropathy: Tingling, numbness, or pain in hands and feet caused by some chemotherapy drugs.
• Joint and Muscle Pain: Sometimes caused by hormone therapy.

 

Emotional and Psychological Support A cancer diagnosis affects not just your body but also your mind. Our psycho-oncology team provides:

 

• Counselling: To help you cope with anxiety, fear, sadness, or stress related to your diagnosis and treatment.
• Family Support: To help your loved ones understand what you are going through and how they can support you.
• Support Groups: Where you can connect with other patients who share similar experiences.

Nursing & Care Navigation: Your Guide Through Treatment

A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Our breast cancer nurse navigators are here to guide you through every step—from your first appointment to life after treatment.

 

Your Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator

Think of your nurse navigator as your personal guide. They will:

 

• Coordinate Your Care: Schedule your appointments, tests, and treatments so everything runs smoothly.
• Explain Your Treatment Plan: Help you understand what treatment you will receive, when, and why.
• Answer Your Questions: No question is too small. Your nurse is there to listen and provide clear answers.
• Be Your Point of Contact: If you feel lost or confused, your nurse navigator is just a phone call away.

 

Practical Support and Education

We provide clear information so you always know what to expect:

 

• Treatment Schedules: A clear calendar of your appointments, chemotherapy sessions, radiation visits, and follow-ups.
• Medication Guidance: Instructions on how and when to take your medicines, and what side effects to watch for.
• Wound and Drain Care: If you have surgery, we will teach you how to care for your wound and manage any drains at home.
• Preparing for Each Step: Before every treatment or test, we will explain what will happen so you feel prepared.

 

24/7 Helpline

Questions and concerns don't always happen during office hours. Our 24/7 helpline is available any time—day or night—for:

 

• Urgent concerns about symptoms or side effects.
• Questions about your medicines.
• Guidance on when to seek emergency care.

 

Supporting You and Your Family

We understand that cancer affects the whole family. Our nurses are here to support not just you, but also your loved ones—answering their questions and helping them understand how to care for you at home.

You will never feel alone. Our nursing team is with you every step of the way.

 

How We Work: Fast, Coordinated Care

We know that waiting and uncertainty can be stressful. At Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, we have designed our breast cancer care to be fast, organised, and centred around you.

 

Quick Access to Care

• Same-Week Appointments: When you contact us with a concern, we aim to see you within the same week for your consultation and essential tests. Early action leads to better outcomes.
• Fast Results: We work to get your test results quickly so there is no unnecessary waiting.
• Rapid Treatment Start: Once your treatment plan is ready, we begin as soon as possible with a clear schedule.

 

Your Team Works Together

• Tumour Board Review: Your case is discussed by a team of specialists including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. Together, they create one unified treatment plan tailored to you.
• No Conflicting Opinions: Because your doctors meet and plan together, you receive clear, consistent guidance rather than different opinions from different doctors.

 

Clear Communication

• Honest Discussions: We explain all your options, including the benefits, side effects, and realistic timelines. We encourage you to ask questions.
• No Medical Jargon: We speak in simple, clear language so you fully understand your diagnosis and treatment.
• Written Treatment Plan: You will receive a clear summary of your treatment schedule so you always know what comes next.

 

One Point of Contact

• Your Care Navigator: A dedicated person who coordinates all your appointments, reports, and follow-ups. You don't have to chase different departments—your navigator does it for you.
• 24/7 Support: Help is available around the clock for urgent matters.

 

Post-Treatment Care: Life After Breast Cancer Treatment

Completing your cancer treatment is a significant milestone—but your care does not stop there. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor your health, manage any long-term effects, and help you return to a full, healthy life.

 

Regular Follow-Up Visits

After treatment, you will have scheduled check-ups with your doctor. These visits help us:

 

• Detect Any Recurrence Early: Regular examinations and imaging tests (such as mammograms) can find cancer early if it returns, when it is most treatable.
• Monitor Your Recovery: We check how well you are healing and recovering from treatment.
• Adjust Ongoing Treatment: If you are on hormone therapy, we monitor its effectiveness and manage any side effects.

Your follow-up schedule will depend on your individual situation, but visits are typically more frequent in the first few years and then gradually become less frequent.

 

Managing Long-Term Side Effects

Some side effects may continue or appear after treatment ends. We help you manage:

 

• Lymphoedema: Arm swelling that can occur after surgery or radiation to the lymph nodes. Our physiotherapists provide exercises, massage, and compression therapy.
• Bone Health (Osteoporosis): Some treatments, especially hormone therapy, can weaken bones. We monitor your bone density and recommend supplements or medicines if needed.
• Heart Health: Certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation can affect the heart. We arrange cardiac check-ups if required.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired may continue for months after treatment. We help you manage energy levels and gradually return to normal activity.
• Joint Pain and Menopausal Symptoms: Hormone therapy can cause joint stiffness, hot flashes, and other symptoms. We offer ways to manage these.

 

Healthy Living After Cancer

What you do after treatment matters. A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of cancer returning and improve your overall wellbeing:

 

• Eat Well: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports your recovery.
• Stay Active: Regular physical activity helps reduce fatigue, maintain a healthy weight, and lower the risk of recurrence.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight after treatment can increase the risk of cancer returning.
• Limit Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake lowers breast cancer risk.
• Avoid Tobacco: If you smoke, we can help you quit. 

Our team can provide personalised guidance on nutrition and exercise.
 

Emotional Wellbeing and Support

Life after cancer treatment can bring mixed emotions—relief, anxiety, fear of recurrence, or difficulty adjusting to “normal” life. This is completely normal.

 

• Counselling: Our psycho-oncology team is available to help you work through these feelings.
• Support Groups: Connecting with other breast cancer survivors can provide comfort and understanding.
• Family Support: We also help your family members adjust and cope.

Emotional healing is just as important as physical healing. You don’t have to face this alone.

At Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, our commitment to you continues long after your treatment ends. We are here to support your long-term health and wellbeing.

 

Why Choose Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad for Breast Cancer Care?

At Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, we combine advanced medicine with compassionate care to give you the best chance of beating breast cancer.

 

Expert Team Working Together

Your care is managed by a team of specialists—breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and plastic surgeons—who meet regularly to discuss your case and plan your treatment together. This means you get one clear plan, not conflicting opinions.

 

Advanced Technology

We use the latest equipment and techniques for diagnosis and treatment, including 3D mammography, PET-CT imaging, advanced radiation therapy, and genomic testing. This helps us find cancer earlier and treat it more precisely.

 

Surgery That Preserves and Restores

Our surgeons are skilled in breast-conserving surgery (removing cancer while saving your breast) and breast reconstruction (restoring shape after mastectomy). We use oncoplastic techniques to achieve good cosmetic results, helping you feel like yourself again.

 

Personalised Treatment

No two cancers are the same. We tailor your treatment based on your cancer type, stage, genetic profile, and personal preferences. From targeted therapy to immunotherapy, you receive the treatment that is right for you.

 

Comprehensive Support — Before, During, and After

Cancer treatment is not just about medicines and surgery. We support your whole wellbeing with physiotherapy, nutrition counselling, pain management, emotional support, and survivorship care. Our nurse navigators guide you through every step.

 

Fast, Coordinated Care

We know that waiting is stressful. We offer same-week appointments, quick test results, and rapid treatment initiation. Your care navigator ensures everything runs smoothly so you can focus on getting better.

 

24/7 Access

Our helpline is available around the clock. If you have a concern—day or night—help is just a phone call away.

 

Take the First Step

If you have noticed a change in your breast, or if you are worried, don't wait. A visit to a specialist can provide answers and peace of mind.

• Breast cancer treatment works best when it starts early.
• Book a consultation today and take charge of your health.
• Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad is with you from your first appointment to life after treatment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the early signs of breast cancer? Look out for:

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm.
• Change in the size or shape of the breast.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin.
• Nipple changes—such as discharge, inversion (turning inward), or scaling.
• Redness, rash, or swelling of the breast skin.

If you notice any of these changes, see a doctor promptly. Most lumps are not cancer, but it is important to get them checked.

 

Q2. At what age should I start screening for breast cancer? 

Most guidelines recommend starting regular mammograms at age 40. However, if you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or carry a gene mutation like BRCA, you may need to start earlier. Talk to your doctor about the right screening plan for you.

 

Q3. Is breast cancer curable if found early? 

Yes. When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, the chances of successful treatment are very high—over 90% in many cases. Early detection also means more treatment options, including breast-conserving surgery.

 

Q4. What happens after I complete treatment?

You will have regular follow-up visits with your doctor, including physical examinations and imaging tests (like mammograms) to monitor for any recurrence. We also help you manage any long-term side effects, provide lifestyle guidance, and support your emotional wellbeing.

 

Q5. Can men get breast cancer? 

Yes. Breast cancer in men is rare (less than 1% of all cases), but it does occur. Men should also be aware of any changes in their chest area and seek medical advice if they notice a lump or other symptoms.

 

Q6. Does breast pain mean I have cancer?

Q7. How often should I do a breast self-exam? Check your breasts once a month, ideally a few days after your period ends (when breasts are less tender). Become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, so you can notice any changes early. Self-exams do not replace mammograms but are a good habit.

 

Q8. Can lifestyle changes reduce my risk of breast cancer?

Yes. You can lower your risk by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight, especially after menopause
• Exercising regularly (at least 150 minutes per week)
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Not smoking
• Breastfeeding, if possible

These habits also improve your overall health and wellbeing.

 

Q9. Can mammograms detect all breast cancers?

 No. Mammograms are very effective but may miss some cancers, especially in women with dense breast tissue. In such cases, your doctor may recommend additional tests like ultrasound or MRI for a clearer picture.

 

Q10. Can I continue working during treatment?

 Many people continue to work during treatment, sometimes with adjustments to their schedule or duties. It depends on the type of treatment, how you feel, and the nature of your job. Some people prefer to take time off, while others find that working helps them maintain a sense of normalcy. Discuss your situation with your care team — we can help you plan.

 

Q11. Will I lose my hair during treatment?

 Not all treatments cause hair loss. Chemotherapy is the most common cause, and whether it happens depends on the specific drugs used. If hair loss is expected, we will prepare you in advance and discuss options like scalp cooling, wigs, or head coverings. Hair usually grows back after treatment ends.

 

Q12. Is breast cancer hereditary?

 Most breast cancers (about 85–90%) are not inherited. However, some people carry gene mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2) that significantly increase the risk. If you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, genetic counselling and testing may be recommended.

 

Q13. What is the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy?

 A lumpectomy removes only the tumour and a small amount of surrounding tissue, preserving most of the breast. A mastectomy removes the entire breast. Your doctor will recommend the best option based on the size and location of your cancer, and your personal preferences.

 

Q14. Will I need chemotherapy?

 Not everyone with breast cancer needs chemotherapy. It depends on the type, stage, and biology of your cancer. Some patients may need only surgery and hormone therapy, while others benefit from chemotherapy. Genomic tests can help predict whether chemotherapy will help in your case.

 

Q15. How can I support a loved one with breast cancer?

 Be there for them—listen, offer practical help (like driving to appointments or preparing meals), and let them express their feelings without judgement. Learn about their treatment so you can understand what they are going through. Take care of yourself too, and don't hesitate to seek support if you need it.