Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Screening and Counselling Crucial for Breast Cancer Treatment, Oncologists Say
Doctors who treat breast cancer met at a conference to talk about how important it is to talk with patients.
When someone finds out they have breast cancer, they might be scared.
They worry about treatments like chemotherapy, which can make them lose hair or feel sick.
But doctors want to help patients understand that these side effects are usually temporary and that the treatment can save their life.
It's also important to talk about how cancer can change a person's body and how they feel about themselves.
Doctors want to help patients live longer and also feel good about themselves.
They also mentioned that men can get breast cancer too, and that free treatment is available in government hospitals.
However, sometimes the cost of tests can still be a problem for some people, even with insurance.
Oncologists emphasize that screening and counselling are crucial for effective breast cancer treatment.
Patient fears regarding chemotherapy side effects, such as hair loss and temporary illness, can lead to treatment refusal.
Counselling aims to reassure patients about temporary side effects and the importance of treatment for survival and quality of life.
Breast cancer affects both women and men, and addressing the issue in rural and underprivileged populations requires strengthening public health systems.
Gaps in insurance and state schemes may leave patients with a cost burden for diagnostic tests, potentially hindering treatment initiation.
- Who
- Oncologists and breast cancer specialists at the Bengal Breast Cancer Conference
- What
- Discussed the critical role of screening and counselling in effective breast cancer treatment, addressing patient fears about side effects and quality of life.
- When
- Saturday (conference held over two days)
- Where
- New Town, Kolkata
- Why
- To highlight the importance of comprehensive patient guidance for better treatment outcomes and quality of life, and to address barriers like fear of side effects and incomplete insurance coverage.
Insurance and State Schemes Coverage
Current Coverage Realities
Coverage of Diagnostic Tests
Insurance and State Schemes Coverage
State schemes and insurance are expected to cover patient care and treatment.
Current Coverage Realities
Diagnostic tests like blood tests, CT scans, staging, and biopsies are not always fully covered, creating a cost burden that can delay treatment.
- Event
- Bengal Breast Cancer Conference (BBCC)
- Organizers
- Society of Medical Oncologists of India
- Attendees
- 300 breast cancer specialists (surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists)
- Key Focus
- Importance of screening and counselling in breast cancer treatment
- Location
- New Town, Kolkata
- Date
- Saturday (conference spanned two days)