Women have always been the heart of every family — nurturing, balancing, and holding everything together every single day. Her body is both powerful and delicate — a divine creation that undergoes remarkable transformations throughout life. From the beginning of menstruation to pregnancy and menopause, every phase tells a story of strength and resilience.

Among these natural changes, one aspect that often goes unnoticed is how the breasts evolve over time. Made primarily of mammary glands, they play a vital role in nourishing new life. However, this same tissue can sometimes develop abnormal changes — making breast health an essential part of women’s overall wellness.

💗 Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India. According to the latest reports, around 192,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2022, and over 98,000 women lost their lives to it and based on recent studies 1 in 8 woman are under the risk of developing breast cancer.

It begins when breast cells start to grow and divide uncontrollably. Normally, our body’s cells know when to grow and when to stop — but due to DNA mutations, this balance is lost. These abnormal cells form a lump or tumor, which can sometimes spread to other parts of the body.

Most breast cancers begin in the milk ducts or milk-producing lobules, but they can affect surrounding tissues too.

Expert Insight from Dr. Lavanya Gadi, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Yuti Clinics:

🧬 Causes and Risk Factors

There isn’t one single cause — breast cancer is often the result of a combination of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors.

1. Genetic & Family-Related Factors

Inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, or TP53 increase a woman’s risk. Normally, these genes repair damaged DNA. But when faulty, they allow abnormal cells to multiply unchecked. Around 5–10% of breast cancers are hereditary, and having a close relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast or ovarian cancer can double your risk.

2. Hormonal & Reproductive Factors

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a big role in breast health. Prolonged exposure to these hormones may raise the risk. Factors include:

Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after 55)
Having your first child after 30, or not having children
Not breastfeeding
Long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause

3. Lifestyle & Environmental Factors

Modern lifestyle patterns play a huge role. Obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and alcohol consumption can increase estrogen levels and disrupt normal cell function.

Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking are proven ways to lower risk.

4. Age & Biological Factors

Most breast cancers occur in women over 40, and risk increases with age as DNA-repair mechanisms weaken. That’s why regular mammograms and clinical screenings become even more important after 40.

🌷 Recognizing Breast Cancer Symptoms

Being aware of changes in your breast is key. Here are common warning signs to watch for:

1️⃣ Lumps or Thickening: A new lump or persistent hardness in the breast or underarm.

2️⃣ Changes in Size or Shape: One breast looking or feeling different from the other.

3️⃣ Skin Changes: Dimpling, redness, rashes, or skin that looks like an orange peel

4️⃣ Nipple Changes: New inversion, unusual discharge (clear or bloody), or crusting.

5️⃣ Pain or Tenderness: Persistent discomfort in the breast or nipple area.

6️⃣ Swelling in Armpit: May indicate spread to nearby lymph nodes.

🩺 What Should You Do If You Notice a Change?

If you experience any of the above symptoms, book a consultation immediately. A clinical breast examination is usually the first step, followed by a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI if required.

If something suspicious is found, a biopsy helps confirm the diagnosis.

Timely evaluation can make all the difference — breast cancer is up to 90% curable if detected early.

Message from Dr. Shravan Teja, Surgical Oncologist at Yuti Clinics:

🕊️ Prevention & Regular Screenings

Perform a monthly self-breast examination, ideally after your menstrual cycle ends.
Schedule a clinical breast exam every year after age 30.
Get a mammogram every 1–2 years after age 40, or earlier if there’s family history.
Maintain a balanced diet, stay active, avoid alcohol, and manage stress.

💖 Yuti Clinics — Your Partner in Women’s Health

At Yuti Clinics, Kondapur, we believe that women’s health deserves attention, respect, and proactive care. Our team of gynecologists and oncologists work together to offer comprehensive screening, diagnosis, and guidance for breast health and overall wellness.

Your health isn’t something to postpone — it’s something to protect.

Let’s build awareness, encourage screenings, and stand together against breast cancer.

📍 Visit Yuti Clinics, Kondapur, Hyderabad

For Breast Cancer Screening, Women’s Health, and Specialist Consultations.

👉 Book your consultation today.