A study conducted by the Chennai Breast Centre has highlighted the urgent need for integrated breast cancer assessment centres in India, citing significant inefficiencies and diagnostic gaps in the current fragmented system.
The research was led by Selvi Radhakrishna, Senior Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, and Debashri Shankarraman, Consultant Breast Surgeon, and analysed data from 12,156 patients aged between 12 and 93 years who sought breast evaluation services.
The study found that limited awareness about breast cancer, combined with hesitation among women to prioritise their health, continues to contribute to late diagnosis across the country. Even when women do seek medical attention, the existing diagnostic pathway often involves multiple facilities for clinical examination, imaging and biopsy, resulting in repeated appointments, long waiting periods, additional travel and administrative burdens. This fragmented approach delays diagnosis, increases the risk of errors and, in some cases, leads to patients discontinuing the evaluation process before completing essential tests.
Data from the study revealed that more than half of the patients who arrived with prior imaging required repeat scans, including 495 cases where external imaging needed reassessment. Among women under the age of 40, only 11 percent had undergone mammography. Of the 479 patients who had external biopsies before visiting the centre, 120 required repeat biopsies. Among these repeat procedures, 62.5 percent were found to be malignant while 37.5 percent were benign, underscoring the risks associated with inaccurate or incomplete initial diagnostic evaluations.
The findings emphasised that single, integrated breast cancer centres offer a more efficient and reliable diagnostic model. Such centres bring clinical examination, imaging and biopsy services together under one roof, allowing for coordinated assessment in a single visit. According to the study, a complete diagnostic evaluation in an integrated centre can be completed in approximately 125 minutes, with biopsy reports available within 72 hours, enabling definitive treatment planning within two to three visits. This model reduces waiting time, limits diagnostic errors by ensuring the same clinical team reviews all findings, and addresses major barriers such as travel costs and time constraints that many women in India face.
The study also stressed the importance of establishing clear quality standards and accreditation systems to ensure accuracy and consistency across integrated diagnostic units. With India’s breast cancer burden continuing to rise, the need for such reforms has become increasingly urgent. Nearly 2,50,000 new breast cancer cases and over 1,00,000 deaths were reported in 2024, highlighting the critical importance of early and accurate diagnosis.
The researchers concluded that India must prioritise the development of single, integrated one stop breast cancer centres supported by strong policy oversight and quality assurance mechanisms to improve diagnostic outcomes and ensure timely, life saving care for women.
