In a surgical oncology OPD, often you see this scene unfolding
A woman sits silently with her biopsy report. Before she can speak, her family does.
“Doctor, remove the whole breast. Just save her.”
I look at her — quiet, frightened. Not only of cancer, but of what it will take from her identity.
I sit there thinking as a surgeon but also as a woman.
And I wonder — does she know she has a choice?
Yes. Breast Conservation Is a Choice.
Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS) means removing the cancerous lump along with a small margin of healthy tissue while preserving the rest of the breast. It is usually followed by radiation therapy.
BCS is possible when:
The tumor is small compared to the breast
The cancer is confined to one area
Clear margins can be safely achieved
Radiation therapy is feasible
There is strong evidence supporting that safety of breast conversation surgery, survival is equivalent to mastectomy when performed with oncological safety . More removal does not always mean better outcome
Reconstruction is a also a choice
Partial Reconstruction After Breast conservation surgery is done when
A defect is left or there is a change in shape. Partial reconstruction (oncoplastic surgery) restores the breast’s contour and symmetry.
Common approaches include:
Local tissue rearrangement: shifting nearby breast tissue to fill the gap
Volume displacement techniques: reshaping the remaining breast to restore natural shape
Surgery to make the opposite breast symmetrical.
Whole Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
When a mastectomy (complete breast removal) is medically necessary, whole breast reconstruction can restore the entire breast.
Options include:
Implant-based reconstruction: silicone or saline implants
Autologous tissue reconstruction (flap procedures): using tissue from the abdomen, back, or other areas
Combination techniques: implants plus tissue to achieve natural shape
The goal is not cosmetic perfection, but restoring a sense of self and confidence.
When Diagnosis Hits, Survival Comes First
Hearing “breast cancer” makes survival the immediate priority.
“Just remove it.”
“Do whatever it takes.”
In that moment, identity and body image take a back seat.
It is not vanity to wonder:
Will I feel like myself again?
Will I look the same in a saree?
Will I feel confident on a beach vacation?
These questions are about human dignity and selfhood, not superficiality.
The Silent Concerns
In conservative Indian society, fears about femininity, marital intimacy, and emotional well-being are rarely voiced.
Yet they are real.
A woman’s relationship with her body affects her confidence, relationships, and mental health. Cancer treatment should preserve not just life, but identity.
You Have a Choice
Best oncological outcomes and cosmesis can go hand in hand
Survival and quality of life can coexist. Women deserve to know their options, make informed decisions.
Dr. Dhwani Shah
MBBS, M.S. General Surgery, M.ch. Surgical Oncology (TMH Mumbai)
Consultant – Surgical Oncology
Book Your Appointment
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, speak to our experts
Prakriya Hospital — Department of Surgical Oncology
Book your appointment today and understand all your options, from breast conservation to reconstruction.
