An oncologist answers the breast cancer questions women in India are too shy to ask: lumps, warning signs, screening, myths, treatment and why early detection saves lives.
Key takeaways
- Around 90% of breast lumps are not cancer, but every lump needs to be checked
- The most common first symptom is a painless lump
- Skin that looks like orange peel (peau d'orange) can be a sign even without a lump
- Breast cancer is not only an old-age disease in India; patients can be in their 20s
- From 40, get a screening mammogram every year
- Bras, intimacy and mammograms do not cause breast cancer
- 60 to 70% of Indian patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage; early detection pushes survival above 95%
- Breast-conserving surgery offers the same survival as mastectomy in suitable cases
About this episode
In this episode of The Vasu Hour, I speak with oncologist [Dr. Name] about breast cancer in India: why so many women are diagnosed late, how to check yourself at home, when screening should start, and the myths that stop women from getting help.
This conversation is for awareness only and is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor about your own health.
