Study Calls for Integrated Centres to Improve Breast Cancer Diagnosis

A recent study involving over 12,000 women has revealed significant shortcomings in breast cancer diagnosis when assessments are conducted across multiple centres. The analysis, conducted by the Chennai Breast Centre, indicates that fragmented testing leads to inaccurate diagnoses and necessitates repeated tests. The findings were presented earlier this month at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

The research highlighted critical gaps in diagnostic accuracy and inconsistencies during multi-centre evaluations. According to the study, a cohesive, integrated centre model is the most effective solution for addressing these issues in India. The study was led by Selvi Radhakrishna, Senior Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, and Debashri Shankarraman, Consultant Breast Surgeon at the Chennai Breast Centre.

Dr. Selvi emphasized the urgency for a reliable model, stating, “In India, awareness about breast cancer is limited, and many women hesitate or do not prioritise their health. Late diagnosis is common.” She explained that when women do seek help, the fragmented nature of the current diagnostic pathway often proves ineffective. Typically, a woman notices a lump and undergoes a series of appointments for examinations, imaging, and biopsies, leading to long waits, travel, and administrative burdens. This process not only delays diagnosis but also raises the risk of errors, potentially causing patients to abandon necessary tests.

The study encompassed 12,156 patients aged between 12 and 93 years. Alarmingly, over 50% of those who had already undergone imaging required repeat scans. Among these, 495 patients needed reassessment of their external imaging. Furthermore, only 11% of patients under 40 years old had received mammograms. Of the 479 patients with previous external biopsies, 120 (25.1%) required repeats, with 75 (62.5%) of these being malignant.

Dr. Selvi pointed out that these results underscore the pressing need for coordinated and accurate diagnostic evaluations. She noted that integrated breast cancer centres have demonstrated higher efficiency in providing care. Such centres should be backed by clear quality standards and accreditation systems to ensure reliable diagnostic processes.

“In a typical one-stop centre, all diagnostic steps—clinical examination, imaging, and biopsy, if necessary—are completed in a single visit,” Dr. Selvi explained. This streamlined approach can conclude the complete assessment in approximately 125 minutes, with biopsy results available within 72 hours. This efficiency enables definitive treatment planning in just 2-3 visits, significantly reducing waiting times and minimizing errors by allowing the same team to review all results.

The need for integrated centres is becoming increasingly critical as the breast cancer burden in India continues to rise. In 2024, nearly 250,000 new cases and over 100,000 deaths have been reported. Dr. Selvi reiterated the urgency for establishing single, integrated one-stop centres, emphasising the importance of strong policy oversight and quality standards to ensure timely and accurate breast cancer diagnosis.

The findings from this study are expected to prompt discussions among healthcare policymakers and practitioners, aiming to enhance the quality of breast cancer diagnostic services in India.