Global Experts Deliberate on Breast Cancer Management; Focus on Patient-Centric Treatment

Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Amid the rapidly rising cases of breast cancer among women in India, a major initiative has been launched to promote precise and evidence-based treatment protocols. The Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre organized the “Apollo Athenaa Cancer Conclave 2026” on the occasion of International Women’s Day, where leading oncologists emphasized the need to eliminate ‘grey zones’ in breast cancer treatment and move towards clear, scientifically backed medical decisions.


The theme of the conclave, “From Grey Zones to Black & White in the Management of Breast Cancer,” focuses on shifting cancer care from fear-driven or assumption-based treatments to precision oncology and data-driven clinical decisions. Experts believe that such an approach will significantly improve both survival rates and quality of life for patients.

Breast Cancer on the Rise in India
Health experts highlighted that breast cancer accounts for nearly 27% of all cancers among women in India, making it the most common cancer affecting women in the country.

Key Concerns Highlighted by Experts:
Nearly 10% of cancer-related deaths among women in India are caused by breast cancer.

One in four patients is under the age of 40, indicating a worrying shift toward younger age groups.
Aggressive forms such as Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) are increasingly being diagnosed.

Experts stressed that early detection, precision diagnostics, and personalized treatment strategies are essential to effectively tackle the growing burden of the disease.
Technology and Precision Transforming Treatment
Medical specialists pointed out that advances in modern oncology are rapidly transforming breast cancer management.
Emerging Technologies in Breast Cancer Care:
High-resolution imaging for accurate tumor detection
Tumor mapping and cartography for precise surgical planning
Neoadjuvant therapies to shrink tumors before surgery
Oncoplastic surgery enabling breast-conserving procedures with improved cosmetic outcomes
These technologies are helping doctors reduce the need for aggressive surgeries and adopt organ-preserving treatment approaches, ultimately improving both medical and psychological outcomes for patients.

Experts Emphasize Precision Oncology
Speaking at the conclave, Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice-Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, said that India must accelerate the adoption of precision oncology to ensure that every patient receives treatment based on scientific evidence, genetic insights, and advanced medical technology.

Breast Surgical Oncology expert Dr. Geetha Kadayaprath noted that breast cancer management is entering a new era where treatment decisions will be guided by strong clinical evidence rather than fear or uncertainty.


Global Participation in Two-Day Conclave
The two-day international conference has brought together leading oncologists and researchers from India, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and the UAE.
Major Topics of Discussion Include:
Precision oncology
Breast reconstruction techniques
AI-based cancer imaging
Tumor cartography and mapping
Experts believe that such international platforms will play a crucial role in strengthening patient-centric, evidence-based breast cancer treatment systems in India.

Key Takeaway:
The conclave marks an important step toward removing uncertainties in cancer treatment and establishing clear, scientifically validated treatment pathways, ensuring better survival outcomes and improved quality of life for breast cancer patients.