Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects millions worldwide. Did you know? According to the WHO, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in 157 countries. Though the number of people getting affected is significantly high, the survival rates have improved in recent years. This better cervical rate can be associated with advancements in breast cancer research and treatment. Numerous technologies are being developed for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer (how to detect breast cancer at early stages) through personalised treatment options.
The landscape of breast cancer care is changing dramatically. From early detection to personalised treatment, technology is helping doctors and specialists offer more accurate diagnosis, less invasive procedures, and better outcomes for breast cancer patients.
| Area of Impact | Outcome |
| Improved survival rate | Survival rates have improved by 40%, 5-year survival rate now > 90% in early-stage cases. |
| 3D mammography | Detects 20 – 65% more invasive cancers than 2D mammograms |
| Personalized treatment approaches | Targeted therapies (e.g., HER2 inhibitors) improve survival by 33 – 50% |
| Robotic & image-guided surgery | Robotic surgery reduces hospital stay by 1 – 2 days, with faster recovery. |
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3D mammography captures multiple images from different angles to create a 3D view of the breast. The test helps detect up to 65% more invasive cancers than standard mammograms. 3D mammography is especially useful for women with dense breast tissue
Digital mammography is widely preferred and uses digital sensors instead of film to capture breast images. It offers better image clarity and allows for easier comparison with past scans. Digital mammography enables faster, more accurate readings.
Breast ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to detect breast abnormalities. It helps differentiate between solid breast tumours and fluid-filled cysts. The imaging test is often used as a follow-up test after a mammogram.
Breast MRI is also commonly employed for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Magnetic fields and contrast dye are used to detect abnormalities. Breast MRI is highly sensitive and is very useful for high-risk women or women with dense breast tissue. It is often used alongside mammograms for more accurate screening.
Several AI-powered tools are now being used to analyse mammograms and scans. These tools enhance accuracy by highlighting subtle abnormalities.
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Treatment of breast cancer through targeted therapy involves focusing on specific gen es or proteins that fuel cancer growth. It involves using medicines that block these targets and stop cancer from spreading. Targeted therapy is often combined with other treatment options.
Immunotherapy as a treatment option boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy is widely recommended for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Various drugs and medicines help the immune system (tips to boost your immunity) recognize and attack cancer.
Radiation therapy employs high-energy rays (like X-rays or protons) to destroy cancer cells in a targeted area. The treatment option is often recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Chemotherapy (how chemotherapy works against cancer) is the most widely recommended treatment option. The treatment involves using drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is also used to shrink tumours to enable breast-conserving surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery for breast cancer aims to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible, or minimizing scarring and recovery time. The surgeries utilize smaller incisions, which leads to improved cosmetic outcomes and reduced postoperative pain. Some of the minimally invasive surgery for breast cancer involves:
Lumpectomy (the best chance to beat breast cancer) involves removing only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. It helps preserve most of the breast’s appearance and structure. Lumpectomy is suitable for early-stage cancer or when the tumour is small or localized.
Robotic-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive technique involving the use of robotic arms controlled by a surgeon. The surgery offers high precision, smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery. Robotic-assisted breast surgery can be used for both tumour removal and reconstruction procedures.
Cryoablation is a non-surgical method for the treatment of breast cancer. It is preferred for early-stage or small tumours. It involves destroying cancer cells by freezing them. Freezing creates ice crystals that kill the cancer cells.
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Post-treatment technologies help with monitoring the treatment outcomes, supporting recovery, monitoring recurrence, and improving long-term outcomes. Some of the post-treatment technologies include:
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Can technology completely replace traditional methods in breast cancer treatment?
No technology can completely replace traditional methods, though it can transform and enhance traditional methods, making them more accurate, less invasive, and more personalised.
How accurate is AI in diagnosing breast cancer?
AI in diagnosing breast cancer is widely being adopted, given its accuracy, particularly in reducing false positives and improving specificity.
