What Are The Latest Breast Cancer Screening Methods?

Breast cancer is a prevalent cancer in African women. According to experts, around 1 in 8 women are likely to experience this cancer at some point in their lives. Although it can happen at any age, breast cancer is most common in women over age 50. Some of the first signs of breast cancer are a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in the breast's size or shape, dimpling of the skin or the presence of a sore or rash on the breast, redness or scaling in the nipple or other parts of the breast, and discharge from the nipple.

Therapy, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone treatment, and targeted interventions, are some of the methods for the management of breast cancer. Breast cancer awareness, along with detecting cancerous growths early on, is crucial for favourable outcomes and overall survival. Women aged 40 and above, especially with a family history of breast cancer, are advised to regularly undertake self-exams, clinical breast assessments, and mammography screenings for the timely discovery of their breast cancer lesions.

But some countries lack advanced breast cancer screening and treatment methods. And furthermore, their cost of treatment is really high. This is why a lot of patients from African countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania travel to India for breast cancer treatment and screening.

India is a rapidly developing country that has become a world leader in healthcare. With its strong commitment to medical research, India has made great strides in the field of breast cancer treatment. The country has some of the best doctors and medical facilities in the world, which makes it the ideal destination for those looking for breast cancer treatment.

These institutions are well-equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, highly qualified doctors and advanced facilities. Additionally, treatment in India is far cheaper than in other countries. As a result, people with breast cancer from all over the world travel for breast cancer treatment in India. Patients can obtain the most modern therapies and save significant amounts as results.

What are the Latest Breast Cancer Screening Methods?

With advancements in medical science, there are now a lot of new breast cancer screening methods. Some of the latest breast cancer screening methods are discussed below:

1. Mammography

Emerging from advancements in technology, digital mammography and 3D mammography have become popular breast cancer screening methods for cancer detection. By taking X-ray images of the breasts, abnormalities can be identified, making mammograms an invaluable tool in their fight against breast cancer. The great clarity and detail offered by these new technologies have improved accuracy, ultimately aiding in the early detection and breast cancer treatment.

2. Liquid biopsy

Known as liquid biopsy, this high-tech screening method looks at DNA fragments that are not attached to cells and are found in body fluids like blood to find genetic changes and mutations that are linked to cancer. By offering early detection and potentially alerting patients to cancer prior to the onset of breast cancer symptoms, liquid biopsy facilitates prompt intervention and treatment.

3. Molecular profiling

In recent years, the development of molecular profiling techniques has become increasingly prominent. This form of testing examines the genetic makeup of a tumour and identifies specific gene mutations and biomarkers associated with cancer. Molecular profiling can aid in personalised treatment options by determining whether a patient would benefit from targeted therapies or immunotherapy.

4. Imaging technologies

Advancements in imaging technologies have also improved breast cancer screening options. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans utilise radioactive tracers to identify cancer cells in the body. Additionally, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans have also become more sophisticated, providing detailed images that aid in diagnosing and staging cancer.

5. DNA and RNA analysis

Recent advancements in breast cancer screening have contributed to the identification of particular mutations related to cancer development. Through molecular and genetic studies, DNA or RNA samples are analysed to diagnose cancer. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests, for instance, make cancer-related genes more active. This is a more accurate way to screen for cancer than physical exams or imaging methods.

6. Computer-aided diagnosis

Advancements in AI have resulted in the creation of computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) systems, which aid healthcare practitioners in recognising potentially malignant results. These intelligent algorithms examine medical pictures and data, increasing accuracy and decreasing human error in cancer screenings.

Also, liquid biopsies can now look at circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in addition to DNA. Through the study of cancer-related components contained in bodily fluids, these non-invasive diagnostics have the ability to diagnose cancer early. This expanded variety of screening techniques increases the likelihood of discovering breast cancer in its early stages.

7. Breathe analysis

The use of breath analysis is another promising technique for breast cancer screening. Breath samples have been found to contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to cancer. Breath analysis technology is being developed to detect and diagnose breast cancer with a high accuracy rate, providing a non-invasive and cost-effective screening option.

8. Personalised screening

Liquid biopsies and molecular profiling have aided in the creation of personalised breast cancer screening solutions. Targeted cancer screening can be conducted by analysing a patient's genetic profile and monitoring for particular indicators or mutations linked with their unique risk. This personalised technique improves cancer diagnosis accuracy and allows for customised therapies.

Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India

The total breast cancer treatment cost in India is determined by a variety of factors, including the cancer hospital chosen, the hospital's geographic location, the type and stage of breast cancer, the patient's overall health, age, treatment method chosen, oncologist's fees, travel costs, insurance coverage, medication costs, diagnosis costs, and so on. The approximate breast cancer treatment in India costs with CureIndia are as follows:

Why Breast Cancer Treatment in India?

Breast cancer screening options have advanced significantly in recent years, enabling various new approaches to identify cancer in its early stages. Mammography, liquid biopsy, molecular profiling, imaging technologies, DNA and RNA analysis, computer-aided diagnostics, breath analysis, and personalised screening are among the most preferred methods. Breast cancer screenings' future holds the potential for greater accuracy, early diagnosis, and treatment results with more research and technology developments.

If you think you may have the symptoms of breast cancer, it is important that you visit a reliable doctor as early as possible. If you have such symptoms, see your doctor immediately to get tested. These 6 symptoms of breast cancer you should watch out for will help you to know when you will require a breast cancer screening.

India has the most advanced technology with highly qualified doctors and state-of-the-art hospitals for the best quality treatment with a high success rate. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so it is important to visit a reliable doctor if you think you may have symptoms of breast cancer.