Last Updated on October 23, 2026 11:31 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / Hyderabad: Fear of diagnosis, social stigma, and common myths about breast lumps continue to delay women from seeking timely medical care, doctors at CARE Hospitals warned on Thursday.
Observing International Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, specialists urged women to look out for early warning signs and consult medical professionals without delay.
Alarmingly Low Screening Rates
This year’s global campaign, themed “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” stresses early detection, tailored care, and emotional support.
Data highlights a severe gap in proactive testing in the state. According to the Telangana Cancer Burden Profile 2026 (citing NFHS-5 data), only 0.3% of women aged 30–49 in Telangana have ever undergone a clinical breast screening.
Debunking Common Myths
Oncologists noted that widespread misconceptions remain a major barrier to early diagnosis. Many women incorrectly believe that painless lumps are safe, that cancer affects only older women or those with a family history, or that a diagnosis always leads to full breast removal.
“One of the biggest myths is that a lump is harmless if it doesn’t hurt. Another major fear is that cancer automatically means losing the entire breast,” said Dr. Ramu Damuluri, Senior Consultant in Surgical Oncology at CARE Hospitals, Hitech City. “When caught early, breast-conserving surgery is often possible. Women should discuss their health without fear or embarrassment.”
Key Symptoms to Watch For
Doctors cautioned that early-stage breast cancer often causes no pain. Women should seek immediate medical advice if they notice:
- A new lump in the breast or armpit
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Unusual nipple discharge or inverted nipples
- Skin changes or dimpling on the breast
Personalised Modern Treatments
Cancer care has advanced significantly, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. Treatment plans—which may include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation—are now tailored based on the cancer’s stage and biological type.
“Another misconception is that breast cancer is always incurable or that every patient requires heavy chemotherapy,” explained Dr. A. Venugopal, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist at CARE Hospitals. “Many women diagnosed early can be treated with curative intent. Fear or social stigma should never prevent someone from seeking help.”
Call to Action
Beyond medical hurdles, concerns over physical appearance, family impact, and financial stress often silence open discussions.
Doctors advise women not to rely solely on self-examinations and recommend speaking with a healthcare professional about appropriate screening options, including mammograms, based on individual risk factors.