When you hear "breast cancer," the first question isn't just about survival anymore.
It's also about what comes after. whether you'll recognize yourself, whether treatment will take more than the disease itself, and
whether you'll feel whole again. And you deserve real answers to those fears, not empty reassurances.
You deserve honest guidance and expert care. And that’s exactly what we focus on…
At Aster CMI Hospital, our mission is to deliver both exceptional clinical care and expert cosmetic outcomes, all with the least trauma to the body.
Breast Cancer in India: The Current Landscape
The 2025 ICMR report shows India recorded approximately 1.56 million new cancer cases . in 2024, with breast cancer remaining the
most common cancer in women. But here's the part that matters: breast cancer deaths are declining steadily.
Early detection works. Evidence-based treatment works. And the medical community has figured out how to fight this disease without destroying quality of life in the process.
Understanding Breast Cancer: Types, Stages, and What They Mean
Breast cancer happens when normal cells in your breast start multiplying uncontrollably. These abnormally growing cells form a tumor
that can spread to lymph nodes under your arm and, from there, potentially to other organs, a process called metastasis.
Most breast cancers begin in the milk ducts.
Types of Breast Cancer
1. Non-invasive Breast Cancer (Stage 0):
- DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ): Cancer cells stay inside the milk ducts. The duct lining acts as a barrier, preventing spread for some time.
- LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma in Situ): Begins in milk-producing glands but doesn't spread. Considered a risk marker rather than true cancer.
2. Invasive Breast Cancer:
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, accounting for about 80% of cases. Cancer breaks through duct walls and spreads into breast tissue
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Starts in the lobules and spreads to nearby tissue, accounting for roughly 10% of invasive breast cancers. There are rarer subtypes, including medullary, papillary, tubular, adenoid cystic, and mucinous carcinomas, but your oncologist will explain if they're relevant to your case.
Breast Cancer Stages: A Simple Guide
Understanding the stages of breast cancer is crucial because it helps doctors decide the safest and most effective treatment plan.
Breast cancer is classified from Stage 0 to Stage 4, based on tumor size and how far the cancer has spread.
Doctors determine the staging of breast cancer by assessing:
- Tumour size
- Whether it is invasive or non-invasive
- Lymph-node involvement
- Spread to nearby tissues or distant organs
Stages of Breast Cancer
Stage 0 – Non-invasive Breast Cancer: Cancer cells remain inside the milk ducts and have not spread. This is also known as DCIS or in situ breast cancer.
Stage 1 – Early-Stage Breast Cancer: The tumor is up to 2 cm. It may or may not involve a very small number of lymph nodes. Treatment success rates are highest at this stage.
Stage 2 – Localised Breast Cancer: The tumor is
- Around 2 cm and has reached nearby lymph nodes, or
- Between 2 and 5 cm with no lymph-node involvement.
Stage 3 – Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: The tumor is
- Around 5 cm with spread to multiple lymph nodes, or
- Larger than 5 cm with spread to a few nodes.
Stage 4 – Metastatic Breast Cancer: Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, bones, or brain. This stage needs comprehensive and long-term treatment.
Your stage isn't your destiny. It's your starting point.
Early detection makes all the difference.
What are the options for breast cancer treatment in Bangalore, India?
At Aster CMI Hospital, we offer comprehensive and personalized breast cancer care delivered by one of the most experienced
oncology teams in Bangalore. Our specialists are trained in advanced minimally invasive techniques, breast-conserving surgeries, reconstruction, and precision-based therapies. Your treatment plan is customized based on the type, size, stage, and location of the tumor, along with your overall health and personal preferences.
1. Breast Cancer Surgery at Aster CMI
Surgery remains the cornerstone of breast cancer treatment.
Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery)
- Removes only the tumour
- Faster recovery
- Equivalent survival rates to mastectomy in eligible patients
Breast-Conserving Surgery with Oncoplastic Techniques
- Removes cancer completely
- Preserves breast shape and appearance
- Ideal for women prioritising cosmetic outcomes
Skin-Sparing or Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Reconstruction
- Removes breast tissue while preserving skin and/or nipple
- Followed by immediate reconstruction
- Excellent cosmetic and cancer clearance results
Total Mastectomy
- Complete removal of breast tissue and related structures
- May include lymph node surgery depending on your diagnosis
2. Lymph Node Evaluation & Surgery
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)
- Minimally invasive
- Low risk of lymphedema
- Detects early lymphatic spread
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
- Performed when cancer cells are present in sentinel nodes
- Helps prevent further spread of disease
3. Radiation Therapy at Aster CMI
Aster CMI offers world-class radiation oncology with high-precision planning. Options include:
- Hypofractionated Radiation (15 sessions) Faster completion
- Conventional EBRT (25 sessions) Standard schedule
- Intraoperative Radiation Delivered during surgery in select cases. Radiation helps destroy microscopic cancer cells and prevents recurrence.
4. Systemic Therapies for Breast Cancer
- Chemotherapy: Used before or after surgery to shrink tumors or prevent recurrence.
- Hormone Therapy: For ER/PR-positive cancers. Prevents hormones from stimulating tumor growth.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs like trastuzumab precisely target HER2-positive tumors.
- Immunotherapy: Enhances the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells; used in advanced cases.
Why Choose Aster CMI for Breast Cancer Treatment in Bangalore
- Everything You Need, Under One Roof : Diagnosis. Surgery. Radiation. Chemotherapy. Follow-up. No back-and-forth, no waiting. Just seamless, world-class care.
- Specialists Who Know What Works : Every treatment plan is custom-built by experts who have seen it all. Your cancer doesn’t stand a chance.
- Cutting-Edge, Minimally Invasive Surgery : Breast-conserving. Nipple-sparing. Oncoplastic. Less trauma. Faster recovery. Look and feel like yourself again.
- Support That Actually Supports You : Nutrition, counseling, rehab, long-term care… We’ve got your body, mind, and life covered.
You don’t just get treatment. You get a plan that works, a team that cares, and results that matter.
Finding the Best Breast Cancer Specialist in Bangalore
When choosing a breast cancer specialist in Bangalore, look for:
- Board certification in surgical oncology or medical oncology
- Experience with minimally invasive and oncoplastic techniques
- A multidisciplinary team approach (surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist working together)
- Access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options
- Clear communication and shared decision-making
At Aster CMI, our breast cancer specialists check all these boxes.
Take Action: Book Your Consultation
If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, or if you're experiencing symptoms that concern you, don't wait.
Breast cancer is easier to treat when diagnosed early.
Book a consultation at Aster CMI Hospital today and get expert guidance on the next steps.
