- This program includes advanced diagnostic technologies, including mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy, to assess breast health promptly and precisely
- Patients can expect results within 24 hours
- Breast cancer does affect both genders and hence it is advisable to have preventive test after attaining the puberty
- Patients from 147 countries come to India for cancer treatment at Apollo Cancer Centres
- Apollo Hospitals, on analysing close to 1,50,000 of its health screenings over the past five years, has found that 25% of breast cancer incidence were in women aged under 40 years in India
NE HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, OCT 31
While global guidelines advocate for initiating regular breast cancer screening at the age of 40, the evolving landscape and these findings necessitate a re-evaluation of these guidelines, especially for Indian women. We have found during a month-long pilot study that 32.5 percent of women who came for breast screening have breast cancer. A young woman aged 25 was detected with breast cancer during our pilot study in October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, said Dr Shubha Sinha, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad.
Stressing the importance of early detection of cancer and screening, especially in people who have a family history of cancer, Dr Subha Sinha said the cost of this screening test ranges between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 and the results will be given in 24 hours. This program includes advanced diagnostic technologies, including mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy, to assess breast health promptly and precisely.
“Over the years, Apollo Cancer Centres spread over the nation have witnessed the critical importance of early breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Swift and accurate detection not only offers the best chance for effective treatment but also provides patients with peace of mind. This program allows us to combine our expertise with advanced diagnostic tools to deliver timely diagnoses and personalized care. By doing so, we are not only treating breast cancer; we are also providing hope, support, and better quality of life for our patients,” Dr Shubha Sinha added.
As part of this initiative, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs) continues to push the boundaries with advanced cancer treatment, by introducing ‘India’s Fastest & Most Precise Breast Cancer Diagnosis Program’ on Tuesday. This pioneering initiative aims to provide swift and precise breast cancer diagnoses, reinforcing the significance of early detection in mitigating the right treatment for a better survival rate, and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant stride toward breast cancer management and offers a promising glimpse into the future of healthcare services. Apollo Cancer Centres is proud to be the first in India to provide this program and envisions the potential to replicate the model for other organs in the future. In alignment with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Apollo Cancer Centres is dedicating this program to the timely diagnosis of breast cancer in women.
Breast cancer is a prevailing concern for women’s health, and timely diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective intervention. Early detection is paramount in the fight against breast cancer, and we at Apollo Cancer Centre, have achieved a great level of success in treating breast cancer diagnosed in the early stages. We have accomplished breast conservation rates up to 60%, and are able to de-escalate therapy as per global evidence-based guidelines, hence offering our patients superior quality of life outcomes.
‘India’s Fastest & Most Precise Breast Cancer Diagnosis’ is designed to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis, alleviating the stress of protracted waiting times for results. Apollo Cancer Centres firmly believes in the adage, “Earliest Easiest,” when it comes to breast cancer management.
This program includes advanced diagnostic technologies, including mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy, to promptly and precisely assess breast health. Patients can expect results within 24 hours, a testament to the program’s efficiency. It is open to individuals seeking breast cancer screening or diagnostic services, provided they meet the necessary criteria. Its primary benefits encompass rapid results, reduced patient anxiety, and early detection of breast cancer—advancements that significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Diagnostic tests employed are generally safe and minimally invasive, with healthcare professionals dedicated to ensuring patient comfort throughout the process. Cost variations may arise depending on location, insurance coverage, and specific diagnostic requirements, for which patients could reach out to Apollo Cancer Centres for precise information. In case of breast cancer being detected, Apollo Cancer Centres’ program is equipped to guide patients toward personalized care, connecting them with skilled oncologists and specialists for a comprehensive treatment plan.”
Dr. Sandip Shah -Consultant Radiology, Apollo Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, said, “Our commitment to breast cancer diagnosis and care goes beyond just medical excellence; it extends to ensuring our patients are feeling empowered and supported. We understand that early diagnosis leads to better outcomes and improved quality of life. With this program, we aim to offer not only timely results but also a path to hope and recovery. It is about providing the best care when our patients need it most.”
Dr Bhavna Mehta, Histopathologist, Apollo Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, said, “Our mission at Apollo Cancer Centres is to revolutionize cancer care through innovation and compassion. The Program is a significant stride in this direction. We understand the fear and anxiety that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. With this program, we aim to reduce this anxiety by providing women with rapid diagnoses and a clear path toward tailored treatments on a need basis. Every minute counts, and we are determined to make every moment count for the betterment of our patients.”
Neeraj Lal, COO, Apollo Cancer Centres, Ahmedabad, said, “The launch of India’s Fastest & Most Precise Breast Cancer Diagnosis Program is a testament to our unwavering commitment to redefining cancer care. We believe that time is of the essence when it comes to breast cancer. Our goal is to provide hope and healing swiftly, offering women the timely and accurate diagnoses they deserve. With this program, we are not just reducing wait times; we are elevating patient outcomes, ensuring early intervention, and spreading the message of empowerment and resilience.”
Today, people from 147 countries come to India for cancer treatment at Apollo Cancer Centres. With the first and only Pencil Beam Proton Therapy Centre in South Asia & Middle East, Apollo Cancer Centres has all that is needed to strengthen the battle against cancer.
Apollo Hospitals, on analysing close to 1,50,000 of its health screenings over the past five years, has found that 25% of breast cancer incidence were in women aged under 40 years in India.
Listing the key findings from screenings, the hospital said that 25% of breast cancer cases among Indian women occurred at the age of 39 years or less. The recorded minimum age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis is 23 years. The data also showed that the median age of breast cancer incidence among Indian women is almost 10 years earlier than Western countries such as the U.S. and U.K. Breast cancer diagnosis among Indian women is at an average of 53 years, lower than the median age of 62 years in these western countries, according to a press release.
