Advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are enabling women with early-stage breast cancer to significantly reduce the risk of recurrence while continuing to lead active personal and professional lives, according to oncologists. Experts say a more personalized approach to treatment is helping patients balance medical care with work, family responsibilities and long-term life goals.
While concerns about recurrence remain a major challenge for many women, doctors note that recurrence risk varies from patient to patient depending on factors such as tumour size, lymph node involvement, hormone receptor status, HER2 status and other biological characteristics. Understanding these factors allows clinicians to tailor treatment plans to individual needs.
Dr. M. V. Chandrakanth, Head Academics, Department of Medical Oncology, Narayana Health, Kolkata, said, “Early breast cancer care is not only about achieving a cure—it is also about reducing the risk of recurrence while helping patients maintain their quality of life. Advances in diagnostics and treatment have enabled a more personalized, risk-adapted approach, allowing therapy to be tailored to each patient’s disease biology and individual risk. Equally important is empowering patients through informed discussions and long-term survivorship care, so they can make confident decisions and lead healthy, fulfilling lives after treatment.”
Experts recommend that patients discuss treatment options based on their specific cancer type, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapies where appropriate. They also stress the importance of managing treatment-related side effects early through supportive care, nutrition, counselling and physical activity, while encouraging women to discuss career aspirations, caregiving responsibilities and personal milestones with their healthcare teams as part of treatment planning.
As one of eastern India’s leading healthcare hubs, Kolkata continues to witness rising demand for advanced oncology services, supported by multi-speciality hospitals and improved access to personalised cancer care. Medical experts believe growing awareness about early diagnosis, precision medicine and survivorship programmes is encouraging more women in the city and neighbouring eastern states to seek timely treatment, strengthening Kolkata’s position as a regional destination for comprehensive breast cancer management.