Dr MS Sushruta

Senior Consultant Surgical Oncology, Breast and Gynaec Oncology, Cytecare Hospitals

Key takeaways:

• Saving the breast: During early stages, doctors can often remove just the tumor instead of the whole breast, depending on the tumor's size and location.

• Advanced treatment for abdominal cancer: A special treatment called HIPEC washes the belly with warm cancer medicine during surgery to destroy hidden cancer cells better than normal injections.

• Clear margins & common myths: Getting a "clear margin" result means all cancer was safely removed, lowering the risk of it returning. Also, the idea that surgery or exposure to air spreads cancer is completely false.

• Simple ways to prepare at home: Before surgery, patients can heal faster and leave the hospital sooner by eating a high-protein diet and doing simple breathing exercises.

Dr Poovamma CU

Head of Department for Breast Oncology and Oncoplasty, Aster CMI Hospital

Key takeaways:

• Single-stage treatment: Tumor removal (lumpectomy) and reconstructive plastic surgery can often be completed in a single operation without delaying follow-up treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

• Oncoplastic surgery benefits: Advanced oncoplastic techniques use hidden incisions to clear cancer margins while preserving the breast's natural shape and symmetry.

• Emotional well-being & aesthetics: Modern breast cancer care actively addresses post-surgery body image anxiety, helping patients transition into recovery with confidence.

• Hormone therapy & recurrence: Targeted oral medications block hormones from feeding hidden cancer cells, significantly lowering the risk of breast cancer recurrence for eligible patients.