Early Detection and Oncoplastic Surgery: Transforming Breast Cancer Treatment and Outcomes
In the evolving landscape of oncology, few fields have witnessed as significant advancements as oncoplastic breast surgery. These combined with early detection makes for a survival rate of 99%. “Early detection leads to saving lives, and in turn leads to a high survival rate. Additionally, the amount of treatment that is necessary for breast cancer when detected early is very minimal,” says Dr Asha Reddy, an Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon in Apollo Cancer Centre Chennai.
She shares a poignant success story that underscores the profound impact of early detection in breast cancer treatment. A 32-year-old woman from Africa, a mother of two young children, had come in for a routine screening. This seemingly routine procedure unexpectedly detected a small lesion, a few millimetres in size, which was both shocking and life-changing for the patient.
The woman had not presented any symptoms and was unaware of any potential health issues, highlighting the silent nature of breast cancer in its early stages. The detection was particularly significant because of the patient's young age and the implications for her family. The early detection through routine screening was crucial; without it, the patient might have discovered the cancer much later, possibly when symptoms would have emerged, leading to more invasive treatments or a worse prognosis.
The treatment that followed the detection was equally noteworthy. Utilising an oncoplastic approach, Dr Asha and her team performed a surgery known as the 'round block technique'. This technique is one of the advanced oncoplastic methods that not only ensures the removal of the cancerous tissue but also preserves the appearance of the breast as much as possible. The surgery was a success, allowing the patient to retain the natural shape of her breast, which is a significant consideration, especially for younger patients.
This case exemplifies the benefits of early detection and oncoplastic surgery. The patient’s recovery was swift, and she was able to return to her family without the prolonged physical and emotional recovery often associated with more extensive cancer surgeries. The outcome was a testament to the efficacy of the screening and the surgical techniques used.
Such success stories highlight the individual lives profoundly affected by advancements in medical technology and methodologies. For this patient, the early detection and subsequent treatment not only preserved her physical appearance but also minimised the psychological impact of breast cancer treatment, enabling her to maintain her lifestyle and confidence.
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of regular breast cancer screenings, especially for those who may feel they are at a lower risk due to their age or lack of symptoms. It also illustrates the advancements in oncoplastic surgery, which not only aims to treat cancer effectively but also to significantly improve the quality of life for patients during and after treatment.
Early detection plays a critical role in breast cancer management, and makes a dramatic difference in patient outcomes. "Survival is nearing 99 to 100% with early breast cancer and pre-cancerous diseases," says Dr Asha. Early detection not only saves lives but also minimises the need for invasive treatments, potentially sparing patients from extensive surgeries and chemotherapy.
Over the years, advancements in diagnostic technologies have significantly improved the early detection of breast cancer. Innovations in mammography and the introduction of new screening modalities now allow for the identification of tumours that are just a few millimetres in size, making early intervention more feasible than ever before.
In India, there is no national screening program, leading to reliance on guidelines from the US and UK. She advises that women over 40 should undergo mammographic screening every one to two years, with more frequent screenings for those at higher risk due to family history or genetic factors.
Dr Asha also addresses common concerns about mammography, such as the fear of pain and radiation exposure. She reassured that the procedure is quick and the pain minimal, while the radiation dose is too low to be harmful. Moreover, the benefits of early detection far outweigh the discomforts and risks associated with the screening.
In addition to the standard use of mammography and ultrasound, MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography are also used for complex cases. “Understanding the importance of timely medical intervention, at Apollo Cancer Centres, we have introduced ‘The Fastest & Most Precise (FAMP) Breast Cancer Diagnosis Programme’ tailored to guide women through the care process, ensuring quick and accurate diagnosis in case of any anomalies found during clinical exams or imaging tests. By streamlining the journey from suspicion to diagnosis and treatment, FAMP aids in minimizing the anxiety-inducing wait time for diagnosis and results. Scheduling is quick and efficient, often resulting in most patients receiving a diagnosis revealing the exact nature of their anomaly in just one day” quotes Dr Asha.
Looking ahead, Dr Asha anticipates a significant impact of artificial intelligence on breast cancer screening and diagnosis. AI can augment the capabilities of radiologists by identifying areas that require further examination, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of screenings. Self-breast examination is extremely important, and she educates her patients on how to perform these and recognize the signs of breast cancer, which are crucial for catching the disease between routine screenings.
Oncoplastic surgery, a blend of oncological and plastic surgery techniques, represents a pivotal advancement in breast cancer treatment. This approach not only focuses on removing the cancer but also on preserving or reconstructing the breast’s appearance, significantly enhancing patient quality of life post-surgery.
As we look to the future, there will be a shift towards more personalised and targeted breast cancer treatments. "We’re moving towards individualised treatment with targeted therapy," she noted, emphasising the potential for tailored treatments that significantly improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Asha Reddy’s insights not only illuminate the path forward in breast cancer treatment and the role of oncoplastic surgery but also underscore the profound difference that medical advancements and early detection can make in the lives of those affected by breast cancer.
