Mysore/Mysuru: An innovative Breast Conservative Surgery (BCS) is helping patients lead better lives, said Senior Radiation Oncologist and Medical Superintendent of Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology Dr. Y.S. Madhavi.

Addressing a press meet at the Hospital on Monday, Dr. Y.S. Madhavi said “Breast conservative surgery technique is less invasive and conserves most of the natural breast tissue. Essentially what is done is the patient’s own extra tissue, which is always present on the chest wall, is taken to fill the hollow created in the breast after a large tumour is removed. Surgical oncologists at Bharath Cancer Hospital, who were  performing over hundreds of oncoplastic surgeries per year, are continuing to create awareness regarding breast conservative surgery.”

Dr. Raxith Sringeri, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology, said: “Breast cancer prevalence has been rising steadily in India and is presently the most common cancer among females. Of the cases being reported, at least 14 percent are being detected at a late stage and approximately 50 percent are “locally advanced” at diagnosis. Mastectomy or breast removal is still performed widely in patients in India.

However, the procedure has been associated with several long-term side effects such as body asymmetry, postural instability, depression, loss of self-esteem and poor quality of life. Globally, breast conservative surgery is now the preferred procedure for breast cancer treatment and surgical oncologist at HCG Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology are working towards ensuring that oncoplastic conservative breast surgery gets a firm footing in the region of Mysuru as well.”

“Breast conservation has become increasingly accepted worldwide as the surgical management of breast cancer in clinical practice. Cancer care in India is also evolving tremendously with many cancer treatment centres following evidence-based practice hence the rates of breast conservation are expected to increase. Between January 2021 and August 2022, more than 400 patients underwent breast cancer surgery at our centre. All Early Breast Cancers (EBC) were offered BCS. For Large Operable Breast Cancer (LOBC) and Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC), Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NACT) followed by BCS was offered to these patients who wish to conserve their breast,” added Dr. Raxith.

Dr. M. Vijay Kumar, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology, said: “Apart from addressing aesthetic and safety concerns, there is also a reduced rate of depression among patients opting for oncoplastic surgery. Our patients are happier, not only with the way their breasts look but also with the fact that there are no complications and the recovery time is short.”

He also mentioned that the concept of removing the entire breast for breast cancer is changing, with advanced surgical options with precise radiotherapy available at Bharath Cancer Hospital.

Breast conservative surgery is reasonable and standard option for many breast cancer patients. Breast cancer clinic now available every day at Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology, Mysuru.

Free screening and discount on mammography extended till November end

As part of month-long breast cancer awareness programme, Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology conducted various awareness programmes including camp at prominent parks across the city, free screening test and 50 percent discount on mammography test. The free screening  camp and 50 percent discount on mammography screening test which was conducted on every Saturdays in October between 10 am and 1 pm has been extended till November end. For registration and for further details, contact Mob: 99454-33300.