A lump or thickening
A new lump or an area that feels different from the surrounding breast tissue.
Patient Guide · Breast Cancer
Understand Breast Cancer
Clear, practical information to help you recognise warning signs, understand diagnosis and explore treatment decisions with your care team.
This guide supports informed conversations with your doctor. It does not replace an individual medical assessment.
How to use this guide
Use these sections to understand the next steps, prepare questions and discuss your options with your doctor.
Learn the warning signs
Know which new breast changes need medical evaluation.
Understand diagnosis
Learn about examination, imaging, biopsy and further tests.
Explore treatment options
Understand surgery and the other treatments that may be recommended.
Prepare for consultation
Know what to bring and which questions to ask.
What to look for
Warning signs of breast cancer
These changes should be assessed by a doctor, even if they are painless. Many changes have non-cancerous causes, but examination is important.
Skin changes
New dimpling, puckering, redness, thickening or a peau d’orange appearance.
Nipple changes
A newly pulled-in nipple, unusual discharge, crusting or a change in shape.
Persistent discomfort
Persistent or localised pain should be assessed, especially when accompanied by another change.
Armpit swelling
A new lump or swelling in the armpit may need clinical evaluation.
Change in size or shape
A recent change in breast size, contour or symmetry that is unusual for you.
When should you seek medical advice?
Arrange an assessment for a new lump, nipple discharge that is unusual for you, skin or nipple changes, or a persistent unexplained change. Do not wait for pain to develop.
Understanding risk
Factors that may increase risk
Risk is individual. Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop breast cancer, and many people diagnosed have no obvious risk factor.
Increasing age
Risk generally increases with age, but breast cancer can occur in younger adults too.
Family history
Breast or ovarian cancer in close relatives may affect your risk assessment.
Inherited gene changes
Some inherited changes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase risk.
Hormonal and lifestyle factors
Several reproductive, hormonal and lifestyle factors can influence risk. Many people diagnosed have no obvious risk factor.
If several close relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, or cancer occurred at a young age in your family, discuss whether a formal risk assessment or genetic counselling is appropriate.
Getting a clear diagnosis
How breast cancer is diagnosed
Diagnosis usually combines clinical assessment, breast imaging and a biopsy when indicated. The exact tests depend on your symptoms, age and findings.
1
Clinical examination
Your doctor reviews your history and examines both breasts and the nearby lymph-node areas.
2
Breast imaging
Ultrasound and/or mammography may be advised. MRI is used in selected situations.
3
Biopsy and pathology
A tissue sample helps confirm whether cancer is present and identifies important tumour features.
4
Further tests, if needed
Additional blood tests or scans are selected according to the clinical findings and confirmed diagnosis.
Why the pathology report matters
If cancer is confirmed, the report may include tumour type, grade and receptor markers such as ER, PR and HER2. These results help guide treatment choices alongside the stage and your overall health.
Treatment decisions
Breast cancer treatment options
Treatment is personalised according to the stage, tumour biology, general health and your preferences. Some people need one treatment; others benefit from a combination.
Breast-conserving surgery
Removes the tumour with a margin of surrounding tissue while preserving most of the breast. Radiotherapy is commonly part of this approach.
Mastectomy
Removes breast tissue. It may be recommended based on the tumour, breast size, genetic risk, treatment response and personal preferences.
Reconstruction
Reconstruction may be possible at the time of mastectomy or later. It is an individual choice and is not suitable or necessary for everyone.
Radiotherapy
Uses focused radiation to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the treated area. Its role depends on the operation and disease features.
Systemic treatment
Depending on tumour biology and stage, treatment may include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
Is breast-conserving surgery possible?
It is suitable for many patients, but not all. The decision considers tumour extent, breast size, whether clear margins are achievable, radiotherapy suitability, inherited risk and your informed preference.
Does treatment always start with surgery?
No. Some patients have surgery first, while others are advised to receive drug treatment before surgery. The sequence depends on the stage, subtype and treatment goals.
What happens next
Your treatment journey
This is a general overview. Your own plan and timeline may differ depending on the diagnosis and recommended treatment.
STEP 1
First consultation
Discuss the change you noticed, your medical history and any previous reports.
STEP 2
Confirm the diagnosis
Complete the examination, imaging and biopsy recommended for your situation.
STEP 3
Understand the tumour
Review the pathology, receptor results and any further tests needed for planning.
STEP 4
Discuss the options
Understand the benefits, limitations, sequence and alternatives for your care.
STEP 5
Begin treatment
Start the agreed treatment plan, which may involve one or more treatment types.
STEP 6
Follow-up care
Attend follow-up visits and discuss recovery, side effects and ongoing monitoring.
Preparing for your consultation
Bringing your records can help make the discussion more focused.
- Previous reports, scans and biopsy/pathology results
- A list of current medicines and allergies
- Relevant personal and family medical history
- Your main concerns and questions
- A family member or friend for support, if you prefer
Surgical oncology consultation
Discuss your breast cancer treatment options
Dr. Abhishek Kumar Verma (MCh), Surgical Oncologist, can help assess your reports, explain the role of surgery and discuss how surgical decisions fit into the wider treatment plan.
Treatment recommendations are made after reviewing your individual diagnosis and clinical findings.
Common questions
Breast cancer FAQs
General answers to questions patients often raise during consultation.
Q.Does every breast lump mean cancer?
No. Many breast lumps are benign, but a new or changing lump should be assessed by a qualified clinician rather than judged by touch alone.
Q.Is breast cancer surgery always a mastectomy?
No. For many patients, breast-conserving surgery is an option. The suitable operation depends on the extent and location of disease, breast size, tumour biology, genetic risk and patient preference.
Q.Will I need chemotherapy before surgery?
Not everyone does. Some patients have surgery first; others may benefit from treatment before surgery. The sequence depends on the cancer subtype, stage and treatment goals.
Q.Can I seek a second opinion before deciding?
Yes. A second opinion can help you understand the diagnosis, treatment sequence and available surgical options. Bring your pathology, imaging and treatment records.
Take the next step
Get clarity on your diagnosis and options
Arrange a consultation or seek a second opinion before making treatment decisions.
Medical information on this page is for education and does not substitute for examination, diagnosis or personalised medical advice. If you notice a new or concerning breast change, seek assessment from a qualified healthcare professional.