Breast Cancer in Rural India: Clinicopathological Patterns, Molecular Subtypes and Challenges in Resource-Limited Settings | Chapter 2 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 5

 

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide and represents a growing public health challenge in India. Rural populations face unique barriers, including delayed diagnosis, limited screening facilities, and restricted access to comprehensive oncology care. This chapter presents a detailed clinicopathological and molecular analysis of breast cancer cases managed at a rural tertiary care centre in Central India over a five-year period. A retrospective evaluation of 150 histologically confirmed breast cancer patients was performed, assessing demographic characteristics, tumour pathology, molecular subtypes, staging, and treatment patterns. The mean age at diagnosis was 47.8 years, with a predominance of advanced-stage and high-grade tumours. Triple-negative breast cancer constituted 55.3% of cases, followed by the Luminal A subtype. All patients underwent surgical management, predominantly a modified radical mastectomy. Adjuvant chemotherapy and hormonal therapy were administered based on receptor status. The results demonstrate a younger age at onset, predominance of advanced-stage disease, high-grade tumours, and a high burden of triple-negative breast cancer, underscoring the urgent need for early detection strategies and improved oncology infrastructure.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Novhil Bramhankar
Bramhankar Multispeciality Hospital, Gondia, Maharashtra, India.

 

Mousumi Saha
Mousumi’s Diet Clinic, Gondia, Maharashtra, India.

 

Pawan Wankhede
Bramhankar Multispeciality Hospital, Gondia, Maharashtra, India.

 

Pranay Akare
Bramhankar Multispeciality Hospital, Gondia, Maharashtra, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v5/6838

Breast Cancer: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Modalities | Chapter 9 | Medical Science: Recent Advances and Applications Vol. 12

 

Background: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. HER2-enriched and triple-negative—that differ in receptor status (ER, PR, HER2), prognosis, and treatment options. Disease risk arises from a mix of non-modifiable factors (age, genetics, reproductive history), modifiable factors (lifestyle, hormonal exposures), and strong environmental and hormonal influences. Early detection and characterisation of tumours—including imaging and biopsy to establish molecular subtype—are critical for guiding therapy.

 

Methods: This review synthesises existing literature on breast cancer epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and treatment strategies. Sources include peer-reviewed studies on genetic mutations (e.g. BRCA1/2, TP53), hormonal and reproductive risk studies, lifestyle and environmental exposure reports, and clinical trials of therapies such as HER2-directed treatments. Diagnostic and surgical & radiation therapy approaches are compared in the context of evidence for outcomes and side effect profiles.

 

Results: Molecular subtype classification has proven essential: Genetic mutations such as BRCA1/2 significantly increase risk and are associated with more aggressive disease in some subtypes. Modifiable risk factors—such as obesity, alcohol use, late first childbirth, and hormone replacement therapy—also substantially impact incidence. Diagnostic imaging modalities (mammography, ultrasound, MRI) and biopsy allow earlier detection. Treatments combining surgery, radiation, and systemic (targeted, hormonal, or chemotherapy) therapies improve survival and reduce recurrence, especially when matched to the specific subtype. However, aggressive subtypes and late diagnosis continue to challenge outcomes.

 

Conclusions: Breast cancer is not a single disease but rather a collection of subtypes with distinct biology, risks, and treatment responses. Advances in molecular understanding and diagnostics have enabled more personalised treatment. Still, substantial work remains: reducing incidence via prevention, improving early detection in all populations, and developing more effective therapies for aggressive subtypes. Overall, integrating genetic, lifestyle, and clinical data is key to reducing the burden of breast cancer globally.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Kurupatha Menatha Jayasree
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Alagala Anitha
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Chantimalla Narendra Reddy
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

M. Puspha
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

R. Charith
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

S. Hema
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msraa/v12/6449