Breast Cancer Diagnosis

What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer starts when certain cells in the breast begin to grow abnormally. These cells may form a lump, which is sometimes felt during a self-exam or seen on a mammogram. Not all lumps are cancerous, but when a lump is found and tested, a biopsy (a small tissue sample) helps confirm whether cancer cells are present.

These cancer cells can remain in the breast or spread to nearby tissues and, in some cases, to other parts of the body. Early diagnosis is key, as it gives the best chance of stopping cancer before it spreads.

According to Dr. Deepak Jha, a breast cancer doctor in Delhi, catching cancer in its early stages can make a big difference in how successful treatment is. Many women now live full, healthy lives after breast cancer treatment, thanks to early detection and advances in care.

Types of Breast Cancer
Understanding your diagnosis includes knowing what kind of breast cancer you have. There are many types, but some are more common than others. For example, ductal carcinoma is the most common type. This starts in the milk ducts, which carry milk to the nipple.

Another type is lobular carcinoma, which starts in the glands (lobules) that produce milk. Cancer can be invasive (meaning it has spread to nearby tissue) or non-invasive (contained in one place).

Some women may also hear about hormone receptor-positive or HER2-positive breast cancer. These terms describe the kind of proteins the cancer cells have and help doctors choose the most effective treatment.

As Dr. Deepak Jha, the best breast cancer surgeon in Gurgaon, often tells his patients, knowing the type of cancer helps create a treatment plan that is right for you. The more informed you are, the more in control you will feel.

How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
The process of diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam and a mammogram or ultrasound. If something suspicious is found, a biopsy is done. This involves removing a small sample of tissue to check under a microscope.

Once cancer is confirmed, more tests may be done to understand how far it has spread. These tests can include MRI, CT scans, PET scans, or blood tests. All these help the doctor determine the stage of the cancer – from stage 0 (very early) to stage 4 (advanced cancer that has spread).

Dr. Deepak Jha, who performs breast cancer surgery in Gurugram, explains that accurate staging is crucial. It guides the choice of treatment and gives an idea about the likely outcome or prognosis.

Understanding Your Pathology Report:
After the biopsy, you will receive a pathology report. This document contains important information about the cancer, such as:

• The type of breast cancer
• The size of the tumor
• Whether it has spread to lymph nodes
• The grade of the cancer (how fast the cancer might grow)
• Hormone receptor status
• HER2 status

Although this report may seem technical, your doctor will explain it in detail. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, no matter how small they seem. The goal is for you to understand what’s happening in your body.

According to Dr. Deepak Jha, a breast cancer doctor in Gurugram, patients who understand their diagnosis often feel more empowered during treatment.

Emotional Impact of Diagnosis:
Breast cancer is not just a physical disease; it affects your emotions, mental health, and daily life. It’s common to feel scared, anxious, angry, or sad. Many women also worry about their appearance, relationships, or work.

It’s important to know that these feelings are normal. You are not alone. Talking to loved ones, joining support groups, or speaking with a counselor can help. Many hospitals, including those where Dr. Deepak Jha works, offer emotional support as part of breast cancer treatment in Delhi.

Treatment Options:
Once your diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is to discuss treatment. Every treatment plan is different and depends on your cancer type, stage, and overall health.
Common treatment options include:

• Surgery: The goal is to remove the cancer from the breast. This might involve a lumpectomy (removing just the tumor) or mastectomy (removing the entire breast). Breast cancer surgery in Gurugram, under the care of experts like Dr. Deepak Jha, often includes reconstruction options to restore appearance.
• Radiation Therapy: This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is usually done after surgery to destroy any leftover cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy:This uses medicine to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It can be given before surgery (to shrink the tumor) or after surgery.
• Hormone Therapy: For hormone receptor-positive cancer, this treatment blocks hormones that help cancer grow.
• Targeted Therapy: This uses drugs that target specific parts of cancer cells, especially HER2- positive cancers.

The choice of treatment is a team decision. As Dr. Deepak Jha, a leading breast cancer doctor in Delhi, often says, patient involvement in decision-making leads to better results and more peace of mind

Side Effects and Recovery:
Treatment can cause side effects like tiredness, nausea, hair loss, or changes in mood. Not everyone experiences all side effects, and many can be managed with medicine or lifestyle changes.

Recovery after surgery or other treatments takes time. Some women may need physical therapy, especially if lymph nodes were removed. Others may need emotional support to adjust to changes in their body or daily routine.

Hospitals offering breast cancer treatment in Delhi often have full care teams, including dietitians, counselors, and physiotherapists, to help you recover fully.

Life After Diagnosis:
Life doesn’t stop after a breast cancer diagnosis. Many women continue working, caring for their families, and enjoying daily activities during and after treatment. Regular follow-ups with your breast cancer doctor in Gurugram are important to check for any signs of recurrence and to ensure you stay healthy.

Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising gently, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can help in your healing journey.

Dr. Deepak Jha, who provides expert breast cancer surgery in Gurugram, emphasizes the importance of follow-up care. “Healing is not just about removing the cancer,” he says, “it’s about helping women return to full, healthy lives.

If someone close to you has been diagnosed, your support matters more than you may realize. Listening, being present, and helping with daily tasks can make a big difference. Offer to go with them to appointments, help with notes, or just be there when they need to talk.

Encourage them to speak openly with their breast cancer doctor in Delhi about all their concerns – whether physical, emotional, or practical.

A breast cancer diagnosis is not the end – it is the beginning of a journey filled with hope, strength, and healing. With the right information and support, you can take charge of your treatment and your life.

If you or someone you love is facing breast cancer, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts like Dr. Deepak Jha, the best breast cancer surgeon in Gurgaon. His team offers compassionate, personalized care and advanced breast cancer treatment in Delhi, ensuring that every patient feels informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way.

Remember, knowledge is power. The more you understand your diagnosis, the more confident and hopeful you will feel moving forward.