Breast cancer, the most common cancer among women worldwide, accounted for 22.2% of all female cancers in India in 2022. It occurs when breast tissue cells grow out of control and form tumours. This Breast Cancer Awareness Day, oncologists from Paras Health, Srinagar, emphasize the life-saving importance of early detection and the role of advanced technology in improving treatment outcomes. With breast cancer cases rising in Srinagar and beyond, early diagnosis remains the key to combating this deadly disease.
The Paras Cancer Centre at Paras Health Srinagar has played a pivotal role in transforming cancer care in the region. With the integration of cutting-edge diagnostic tools and a multidisciplinary team of experts, the hospital has made significant strides in breast cancer treatment. Data from the Onco-Care department at Paras Health, covering the period from September 2023 to August 2024, highlights the hospital’s impact in treating cancer patients. During this period, 1,608 cases were treated, with 305 surgeries performed and 975 chemotherapy patients receiving care.
"Early detection is our best weapon against breast cancer. With the advanced technology available at Paras Health Srinagar, we can offer precise diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. The screening is very important, and it starts with self-examination. So, as part of renewed efforts to fight this disease, hands-on training will be provided by our experts from this onwards, apart from a screening program that we are running at our cancer centre. Our goal should always be to detect cancer as early as possible. WHO also recommends that health awareness should be spread on this disease so that more and more people are aware about it," says Dr. Gautam Das, Zonal Director, Paras Health Srinagar.
The hospital utilizes advanced diagnostics & radiological imaging tools such as ultrasound, and MRI to detect cancer at its earliest stages, even before symptoms appear. Early detection allows doctors to develop tailored treatment plans for each patient, significantly improving their chances of recovery.
Paras Health’s multidisciplinary approach ensures that every patient benefits from comprehensive care, involving a team of oncologists, surgeons, and palliative care specialists. This collaborative approach covers all stages of cancer treatment—from surgery to post-treatment care—providing the most advanced and compassionate care available.
"Our multidisciplinary team works together to deliver holistic care, which includes not just medical treatment but emotional and psychological support. The services we have include medical oncology, surgical oncology, and palliative care. Moreover, we have a tumour board which is a multidisciplinary team of senior experts who usually plan the entire treatment plan for a patient. Breast cancer can be overwhelming, but early detection coupled with a robust treatment plan offers the best chance for recovery. Although the disease is also seen in women in their 20s and 30s but most common age is after 40. The sooner we detect breast cancer, the better our treatment options and outcomes,” notes Dr. Sheikh Zahoor Ahmad, MS-General Surgery, DNB-Surgical Oncology at the hospital.
In addition to surgery, patients at Paras Health Srinagar will benefit from a range of complementary treatments, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. For patients diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, these therapies offer new hope, improving survival rates and enhancing quality of life. According to Dr. Saqib Ahmad Shah, MBBS, MD-Radiation Oncology, DM-Medical Oncology, at Paras Health Srinagar, Immunotherapy and targeted therapies have shown incredible promise for women with advanced-stage breast cancer. These options extend survival rates and significantly improve patients' overall quality of life. The screening tests at Paras Health Srinagar are available at Rs 999 only.
As breast cancer cases continue to rise, Paras Health is urging women to take charge of their health by scheduling regular screenings and being vigilant about any changes in their bodies. Self-examinations, regular mammograms, and timely consultations are key in identifying breast cancer early.
