Breast cancer in young women: a plan for the life ahead.
A diagnosis at a younger age raises questions that go beyond the cancer itself: having children, family risk, how you will look and feel afterwards. Young women with breast cancer are one of Dr Chaturvedi's particular interests, and these questions are part of the plan from the first visit.
What we plan for
The questions that matter more when you are young
Fertility
Cancer treatment can affect a woman's ability to have children. If this matters to you, we involve our colleagues in oncofertility at the start of diagnosis and treatment, because that is when it makes the most difference.
Family risk and genetic testing
Some breast cancers have an inherited cause. Women diagnosed at a younger age, or with a strong family history or a history suggesting a higher genetic risk, are offered genetic counselling and testing during treatment. The result can change the treatment plan.
Keeping the breast
Treatment does not always mean losing the breast. Where it is safe, we remove the tumour and conserve the breast, using oncoplasty to keep a good shape. Where mastectomy is needed, we discuss reconstruction.
Life after treatment
Survivorship and quality of life are part of the plan, not an afterthought. The wider team includes physiotherapy, psycho-oncology and nutrition, alongside follow-up with us.
If you have found a lump
Most breast lumps turn out not to be cancer. But being young is not a reason to wait and see: a lump deserves a proper assessment at any age.
In younger women, ultrasound is usually the first scan. MRI is used as a problem-solving tool, particularly in dense breasts. Where it is needed, a core biopsy under local anaesthetic gives the answer. At the One Stop Breast Clinic all of this is done in a single visit.
Contact
You will be looked after.
Clinics at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital and Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer Centre, with video consultations six days a week.
| Location | Days | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar | Mon to Fri | 2:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar | Sat | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer Centre, Defence Colony | Mon, Wed, Fri | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Video consultation | Mon to Sat | 4:00 – 6:00 PM |