Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Types, Causes & Treatment

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women across the globe. In India, thousands of women are diagnosed each year, often at a stage when the disease is already advanced. At Rainbow Hospitals, we focus on timely diagnosis, compassionate support, and evidence-based treatment to guide women through every stage of their journey. In this article, we explore the symptoms, causes, types, breast cancer treatment options, and the vital role of regular breast cancer screening in India, so you can make informed, confident choices for your health.

Understanding the Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The symptoms of breast cancer can be subtle and are often mistaken for benign changes. Every woman needs to be aware of how her breasts usually look and feel.

The Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Here are some warning signs to look for:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm

• Unusual changes in breast size, shape, or appearance

• Dimpling, puckering, or redness of the skin

• Nipple discharge, especially if bloody or without squeezing

• A recently inverted nipple

• Pain in the breast that doesn't go away

Not every lump is cancerous, but it's always worth checking. At Rainbow Hospitals, we encourage monthly self-exams and regular clinical evaluations as part of proactive breast health care. If you have noticed any symptoms, have a family history, or are simply overdue for a checkup, book your breast cancer screening in Delhi or at any of our Rainbow Hospitals branches. Because when it comes to breast cancer, early action is the most powerful choice you can make. Early-stage breast cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. This is why regular women's health checkups and self-examinations are vital to catching the disease in its early, more treatable stages.

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is not a single disease but a group of diseases that originate in breast tissue. The two most common types are:

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) begins in the milk ducts and invades surrounding tissue. It accounts for nearly 80% of all breast cancer cases.

• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) starts in the milk-producing lobules and can spread to nearby tissues.

Other less common types include inflammatory breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and HER2-positive breast cancer, each requiring specialized care and treatment protocols.

What Causes Breast Cancer?

While the exact cause of breast cancer remains unclear, certain risk factors for breast cancer can increase a woman's likelihood of developing the condition. Understanding these risk factors for breast cancer helps in personalizing prevention and screening strategies.

Genetic and Biological Factors:

• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer

• Inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes

• Older age, particularly after menopause

• Dense breast tissue

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors:

• Early onset of menstruation or late menopause

• Not having children or having the first child after the age of 30

• Hormone replacement therapy

• Lack of physical activity

• Obesity, especially after menopause

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Exposure to radiation

Diagnosis and the Importance of Women's Health Checkups

At Rainbow Hospitals, we encourage every woman to undergo regular women's health checkups, which may include:

• Clinical breast examination

• Mammography is an X-ray of the breast that can detect tumours before they are palpable

• Breast ultrasound or MRI, especially for high-risk individuals

• Biopsy, if a suspicious lump is found, tissue is examined to confirm the diagnosis

Early detection through these screenings significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.

Breast Cancer Treatment Options:

Breast cancer treatment depends on the type, stage, hormone receptor status, and overall health of the patient. At Rainbow Hospitals, our multidisciplinary team offers world-class, personalized care with compassion and clarity. Treatment options may include: Surgery: Lumpectomy or mastectomy, depending on tumour size and location Radiation therapy: Used to destroy remaining cancer cells post-surgery Chemotherapy: Administered before or after surgery to reduce tumour size or kill cancer cells Hormone therapy: Effective for hormone receptor-positive cancers Targeted treatment and Immunotherapy: Focuses on specific cancer cells, improving precision with fewer side effects Our experts specialize in providing advanced breast cancer treatment in India, ensuring not just survival but quality of life.

Life After Breast Cancer Treatment:

A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but with the proper treatment, support, and emotional care, recovery is possible. Our emotional support services include individual and group counselling, support groups, and resources for coping with the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis. At Rainbow Hospitals, we ensure relentless support from experienced oncologists, counsellors, nutritionists, and rehabilitation specialists to help patients and families through every phase, from diagnosis to recovery. Life after breast cancer treatment is a journey of healing, resilience, and rediscovery. While the physical battle may be over, emotional recovery continues. Many women experience fatigue, anxiety, or fear of recurrence, but regular follow-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and support groups can make a powerful difference. Rebuilding confidence, embracing self-care, and staying connected with your healthcare team are key. At Rainbow Hospitals, we walk with you beyond treatment, offering guidance, reassurance, and comprehensive post-cancer care. Survivorship is not just about surviving; it is about thriving, finding strength in your story, and living life fully, one empowered step at a time.

Why Rainbow Hospitals?

With a strong presence in pediatric and women's healthcare, Rainbow Hospitals is a trusted name in breast cancer treatment in India. Our women-centric approach ensures every patient receives:

• Comprehensive diagnostics and early detection services

• Individualized treatment plans

• Minimally invasive and breast-conserving surgical options

• Post-treatment follow-up and emotional support

• A commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care

Take Charge of Your Health

If you are above 40, have a family history of breast cancer, or identify with any of the known risk factors for breast cancer, it's time to prioritize your health. Book a women's health checkup at Rainbow Hospitals today and take a confident step toward proactive wellness. Don't forget to share this information with your friends and family to help spread awareness about the importance of breast health.

FAQs:

1. What are the early signs that may indicate breast cancer?

Early symptoms of breast cancer can be subtle, but timely recognition is key to accessing the right breast cancer treatment options. Watch for warning signs such as a lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast shape or size, nipple discharge (especially if bloody), skin dimpling, or persistent pain. While not every lump is cancerous, any unusual changes should prompt a clinical evaluation. Early detection significantly improves outcomes and broadens the range of breast cancer treatment options available to patients.

2. Who should get breast cancer screening, and how often?

Women over 40, or younger women with a family history or other risk factors for breast cancer, should consider screening annually or as advised by their doctor. At Rainbow Hospitals, our breast cancer screening in Delhi and other centres includes mammograms, ultrasounds, and clinical evaluations to help catch cancer at its most treatable stages.

3. What are the different breast cancer treatment options available at Rainbow Hospitals?

We offer a full spectrum of breast cancer treatment options, tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and health profile. These include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and advanced targeted or immunotherapy. Our expert team ensures each treatment plan supports both survival and quality of life.

4. Can life return to normal after breast cancer treatment?

Yes, many women go on to lead full, active lives after treatment. While there may be physical and emotional challenges, Rainbow Hospitals provides continuous support through follow-up care, counselling, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Recovery is about more than just treating disease—it’s about rediscovering strength, confidence, and well-being beyond breast cancer treatment in India.