Breast Cancer Treatment in Pune – Expert Surgical Care by Dr. Chirag Bhirud
If you or a loved one is searching for trusted and advanced breast cancer treatment in Pune, Dr. Chirag Bhirud provides expert, patient-first cancer care at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune and Cancer Care Clinic, Pimple Saudagar, Pimpri-Chinchwad. He is an MCh-qualified Surgical Oncologist in Pune with 11+ years of experience and has performed over 500 breast cancer surgeries — making him one of the most experienced breast cancer surgeons in Pune for both early-stage and advanced cases. As a specialist in oncoplastic breast surgery in Pune, Dr. Chirag Bhirud combines complete cancer removal with cosmetic reconstruction — preserving the appearance of the breast while ensuring complete oncological clearance. He offers the full range of breast cancer surgical procedures including lumpectomy, mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy, and robotic-assisted breast surgery — all tailored to the patient’s cancer type, stage, and personal goals. His approach ensures that patients receive not just effective cancer treatment but also the best possible quality of life after surgery.
Dr. Chirag Bhirud holds an MRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, and a Fellowship in Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgical Oncology from Fortis Hospital, Bangalore. He has treated over 10,000 cancer patients with a 95% surgical success rate, published multiple research papers in indexed oncology journals, and received national recognition including the Best Oral Paper Award at ISO 2019. Patients from across Pune and PCMC consult Dr. Chirag Bhirud — a trusted breast cancer specialist in Pune — for second opinions, advanced surgical care, and complete post-treatment support.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast when they grow abnormally and form a tumour. It is one of the most common cancers affecting women, although men can also develop it. Common symptoms include a breast lump, changes in breast shape, nipple discharge, or skin changes. Early detection and timely treatment greatly improve the chances of successful recovery.
Types of Breast Cancer
Understanding the type of breast cancer is essential because different types behave differently and respond to different treatments. Dr. Chirag Bhirud determines the exact type through biopsy and receptor testing before recommending a personalised treatment plan.
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) — a non-invasive type where abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts and have not spread to surrounding tissue; the earliest detectable form of breast cancer; highly curable with surgery and radiation; also called Stage 0 breast cancer
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) — the most common type, accounting for approximately 70–80% of all breast cancer cases; cancer cells break through the duct wall and invade surrounding breast tissue; can spread to lymph nodes and distant organs if not treated promptly
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) — originates in the milk-producing lobules; the second most common type; often harder to detect on mammography due to its diffuse growth pattern; may require MRI for accurate assessment
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) — does not express oestrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, or HER2 protein; more aggressive than hormone receptor-positive cancers; does not respond to hormone therapy or HER2-targeted drugs; primary treatment is chemotherapy combined with surgery; accounts for approximately 15–20% of all breast cancers in India
- HER2-Positive Breast Cancer — overexpresses the HER2 protein, which drives rapid cancer growth; responds well to HER2-targeted therapy such as Trastuzumab (Herceptin); outcomes have improved significantly with targeted treatment advances
- Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer (ER/PR+) — the most common breast cancer subtype in India; driven by oestrogen or progesterone; responds to hormone therapy; generally slower-growing with a favourable prognosis when detected early
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) — a rare but aggressive type where cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast; presents as redness, swelling, and skin thickening rather than a lump; often diagnosed at an advanced stage and requires multimodal treatment
Stages of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer staging determines how far the cancer has spread and directly guides the treatment plan. Dr. Chirag Bhirud uses the TNM staging system alongside receptor testing to stage each patient’s cancer before recommending a personalised treatment approach. He also specialises in the treatment of other cancers, including Gynecological Cancer, providing comprehensive cancer care under one roof.
- Stage 0 (DCIS) — abnormal cells confined to the milk ducts; no invasion of surrounding tissue; treated with surgery and radiation; highest chance of complete cure
- Stage I — tumour is ≤2 cm and limited to the breast with no lymph node spread; surgery with or without radiation; excellent prognosis
- Stage II — tumour is 2–5 cm and may involve 1–3 nearby lymph nodes; treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation; favourable outcomes with timely treatment
- Stage III — cancer has spread to multiple lymph nodes or nearby structures but not to distant organs; requires intensive combined treatment — chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation; cure is still achievable at this stage
- Stage IV (Metastatic) — cancer has spread to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, bones, or brain; treatment focuses on disease control, symptom management, and maintaining quality of life; newer targeted therapies and immunotherapy are improving long-term outcomes
Early Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
Early detection greatly improves the survival rate. Know the warning signs:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- Change in breast size or shape
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Redness or scaling of the breast skin or nipple
- Persistent breast pain or tenderness
- Inverted nipple (newly noticed)
- Swelling around the collarbone or armpit
If you notice any of these signs, do not delay. Consult a Cancer Doctor in Pune as soon as possible.
What are the Causes of Breast Cancer?
No single cause explains all breast cancers. However, certain factors increase risk:
- Genetic mutations — Changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly raise risk.
- Hormonal factors — Long-term exposure to oestrogen, early puberty, or late menopause.
- Lifestyle habits — Obesity, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity.
- Radiation exposure — Previous chest radiation therapy.
- Reproductive history — Never being pregnant or having a first child after age 30.
- Dense breast tissue — More dense tissue makes detection harder and increases risk.
Understanding the cause helps a Surgical Oncologist in Pune create a better, targeted treatment plan for each patient.
Who's at Risk for Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer can affect anyone. But certain people have a higher risk. Risk factors include:
- Women above 40 years of age
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Women who have not had children or had their first child after 30
- Those who started periods early or had late menopause
- People with dense breast tissue
- Those with a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet
If you fall into any of these categories, regular screening is strongly advised. Dr. Chirag Bhirud Cancer Specialist in Pune can guide you on the right screening plan.
How to Diagnose Breast Cancer?
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective breast cancer treatment. Dr. Chirag Bhirud follows a structured diagnostic protocol at Jupiter Hospital, Baner — combining clinical evaluation, advanced imaging, tissue biopsy, and molecular profiling to confirm the cancer type, receptor status, and stage before recommending any treatment.
Clinical Evaluation
Dr. Chirag Bhirud begins with a thorough physical assessment of both breasts, underarms, and the collarbone region — examining any lump, skin dimpling, nipple changes, or lymph node enlargement. Any new or persistent abnormality, even if painless, is investigated further without delay.
Advanced Imaging Tests
- Mammography and 3D Tomosynthesis — gold-standard screening tool; detects lumps, calcifications, and tissue changes; 3D tomosynthesis improves accuracy in women with dense breast tissue
- Breast Ultrasound — evaluates lumps in detail and guides needle biopsy in real time; particularly useful for younger women and denser breast tissue
- MRI — recommended for high-risk patients, BRCA carriers, and pre-surgical mapping where extent of disease needs precise assessment
- PET-CT Scan — used in advanced cases to detect lymph node involvement and distant spread to the lungs, liver, or bones
Pathological Biopsy — The Definitive Test
- Core Needle Biopsy — the most commonly used technique; collects tissue samples from the suspicious lump under ultrasound guidance; minimally invasive and performed in the outpatient setting
- Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) — used for quick initial assessment of palpable lumps or enlarged lymph nodes
- Surgical Biopsy — performed when needle biopsy results are inconclusive; removes the lump or a portion of it for definitive pathological diagnosis
Molecular Profiling and Staging
- ER, PR, and HER2 Receptor Testing — determines the exact breast cancer subtype; ER/PR-positive cancers respond to hormone therapy; HER2-positive cancers respond to targeted therapy such as Trastuzumab
- Ki-67 Index — measures tumour aggressiveness; guides chemotherapy decisions
- BRCA1 / BRCA2 Genetic Testing — recommended for patients with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer; guides surgical planning and alerts family members to consider screening
- Staging Scans (CT, Bone Scan, PET-CT) — rules out spread to distant organs; sentinel lymph node biopsy during surgery confirms axillary node involvement with minimal risk of lymphoedema
As a breast cancer specialist in Pune, Dr. Chirag Bhirud ensures every patient receives a complete, accurate, and personalised diagnostic workup — because precise diagnosis is what makes breast-conserving surgery, oncoplastic reconstruction, and targeted therapy possible.
Treatment Options for Breast Cancer in Pune
The right breast cancer treatment depends on the cancer type, subtype, stage, receptor status, and the patient’s overall health and personal goals. As an experienced breast cancer surgeon in Pune, Dr. Chirag Bhirud personalises every treatment plan — prioritising breast conservation wherever clinically possible and offering the most advanced surgical techniques for cases requiring more extensive intervention.
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgery is the cornerstone of breast cancer treatment for most patients. Dr. Chirag Bhirud performs the following breast cancer surgeries in Pune:
- Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery) — only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue are removed, preserving the rest of the breast; recommended for early-stage breast cancer (Stage I and II) where the tumour is small and localised; almost always followed by radiation therapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells
- Mastectomy — complete removal of the affected breast; recommended when the tumour is large, multifocal, or when breast conservation is not oncologically safe; Dr. Chirag Bhirud performs skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomy wherever possible to facilitate better reconstruction outcomes
- Oncoplastic Breast Surgery in Pune — combines tumour removal with immediate cosmetic reshaping of the breast in a single procedure; Dr. Chirag Bhirud’s specialisation in oncoplastic techniques ensures complete cancer clearance alongside the best possible aesthetic outcome — a key differentiator for patients who want to preserve body image after surgery
- Breast Reconstruction Surgery — restores the shape and appearance of the breast after mastectomy using implants or the patient’s own tissue (flap reconstruction); can be performed immediately at the time of mastectomy or as a delayed procedure
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy — a minimally invasive procedure to check whether cancer has spread to the first draining lymph node in the armpit; if the sentinel node is clear, full axillary dissection is avoided — significantly reducing the risk of arm swelling (lymphoedema) after surgery
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection — removal of multiple lymph nodes from the armpit when cancer has already been confirmed in the nodes; performed alongside mastectomy or lumpectomy in node-positive cases
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Non-surgical treatments are used before surgery to shrink the tumour, after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells, or as primary treatment for advanced and metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Chirag Bhirud coordinates all non-surgical therapies with a dedicated oncology team at Jupiter Hospital, Baner.
- Chemotherapy — used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink large tumours or after surgery (adjuvant) to reduce recurrence risk; essential for triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancers
- Radiation Therapy — targeted high-energy beams destroy residual cancer cells after lumpectomy or mastectomy; reduces local recurrence risk significantly
- Hormone Therapy — Tamoxifen or Aromatase Inhibitors block oestrogen to slow or stop the growth of hormone receptor-positive (ER/PR+) breast cancers; typically continued for 5–10 years after surgery
- Targeted Therapy — HER2-targeted drugs such as Trastuzumab (Herceptin) specifically attack HER2-positive cancer cells with minimal harm to normal tissue
- Immunotherapy — checkpoint inhibitors boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells; used primarily for advanced or triple-negative breast cancer
- PARP Inhibitors — a newer class of targeted therapy for BRCA mutation carriers with advanced breast cancer; blocks the proteins cancer cells use to repair their DNA
Which treatment is right for you?
The right combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments depends on your specific diagnosis. Dr. Chirag Bhirud evaluates every patient individually — considering cancer type, receptor status, stage, age, and personal preferences — before recommending a personalised plan. Whether you need a simple lumpectomy or a complex oncoplastic reconstruction, consulting an experienced breast cancer specialist in Pune early gives you the widest range of treatment options and the best possible outcome.
Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment in Pune
The cost of breast cancer treatment in Pune depends on the type and stage of cancer, the surgery performed, whether chemotherapy or radiation is required, hospital facilities, and the duration of hospitalisation.
- Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) — ₹1 – ₹2.5 lakhs
- Mastectomy (simple or modified radical) — ₹1.5 – ₹3.5 lakhs
- Mastectomy with breast reconstruction — ₹3 – ₹8 lakhs
- Oncoplastic breast surgery in Pune — ₹2 – ₹5 lakhs; combines cancer removal with cosmetic reconstruction in one sitting
- Sentinel node biopsy — ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakhs (often performed alongside surgery)
- Chemotherapy (per cycle) — ₹20,000 – ₹80,000 per cycle depending on the regimen
- Radiation therapy (full course) — ₹2 – ₹4 lakhs
- Targeted therapy — Trastuzumab/Herceptin (per cycle) — ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakhs per cycle
- Hormone therapy (per month) — ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 per month depending on the drug
Costs are indicative and may vary based on individual clinical requirements, investigations, and hospital charges.
Breast Cancer Survival Rate by Stage
- Stage 0 (DCIS) — approximately 95–98% five-year survival rate; nearly all patients achieve long-term remission
- Stage I — approximately 90–95% five-year survival rate; outcomes are excellent with prompt surgical treatment
- Stage II — approximately 75–85% five-year survival rate; strong outcomes with combined surgery and systemic therapy
- Stage III — approximately 50–65% five-year survival rate; multimodal treatment significantly improves outcomes
- Stage IV — approximately 25–30% five-year survival rate; advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy continue to improve this figure
- Overall (India, all stages) — approximately 60–66% five-year survival rate based on published Indian cancer registry data
Survival statistics are population-level estimates and do not predict individual outcomes. Dr. Chirag Bhirud will discuss your individual prognosis during consultation.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips After Breast Cancer Surgery
Recovery and long-term health go hand in hand. Here are key tips:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
- Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive red meat.
- Maintain a healthy body weight — obesity increases recurrence risk.
- Exercise regularly. Even gentle walking helps recovery and improves mood.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Even small amounts can affect recovery.
- Avoid smoking. It slows healing and increases risk of complications.
- Stay consistent with follow-up appointments and monitoring.
- Talk to a counsellor if you feel anxious or overwhelmed — mental health matters too.
Why Choose Dr. Chirag Bhirud for Breast Cancer Treatment in Pune?
Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions a breast cancer patient makes. Here is why patients across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad trust Dr. Chirag Bhirud:
- 11+ Years of Experience, 500+ Breast Cancer Surgeries — Dr. Chirag Bhirud is an MCh-qualified breast cancer surgeon in Pune with a proven surgical track record across all stages and types of breast cancer
- Oncoplastic and Breast-Conserving Surgery — Dr. Chirag Bhirud specialises in oncoplastic techniques that combine tumour removal with cosmetic reconstruction, giving patients the best possible aesthetic outcome alongside complete cancer clearance
- Advanced Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery — fellowship-trained in robotic surgical oncology, Dr. Chirag Bhirud offers minimally invasive breast cancer surgery in Pune with minimal scarring, less blood loss, and faster recovery
- Personalised, Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning — every patient receives a stage-specific, receptor-guided treatment plan coordinated with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists at Jupiter Hospital, Baner
- Nationally Recognised, Research-Driven Care — recipient of the Best Oral Paper Award at ISO 2019 and Best Poster Award at ISO-ISMPO 2019; 95% surgical success rate across 10,000+ patients treated
Book an Appointment with Dr. Chirag Bhirud
If you have noticed a breast lump, nipple discharge, breast pain, skin changes, or have been diagnosed with breast cancer, do not delay treatment. Book an Appointment with Dr. Chirag Bhirud, a trusted Breast Cancer Surgeon in Pune, for accurate diagnosis and personalised cancer care. He offers advanced breast cancer treatment, including breast-conserving surgery, oncoplastic surgery, and robotic cancer surgery where appropriate, at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune. Call 7028373574 today to schedule your consultation.
FAQs About Breast Cancer Treatment in Pune
When detected in Stage 1 or Stage 2, breast cancer has a very high survival rate — often above 90%. While no cancer can be guaranteed 100% curable, early diagnosis and timely treatment give the best possible outcomes. Regular screening, self-examinations, and prompt consultation with a Cancer Specialist in Pune are the most effective tools for beating breast cancer.
Jupiter Hospital in Baner is one of the top hospitals for breast cancer treatment in Pune. It is equipped with advanced surgical suites, robotic surgery systems, oncology wards, and a dedicated multidisciplinary cancer team. Dr. Chirag Bhirud, a highly experienced Breast Cancer Surgeon in Pune, practises here and offers comprehensive cancer care from diagnosis to recovery.
The 2-week rule means that if your doctor suspects breast cancer, you should be seen by a specialist within 2 weeks. This guideline ensures that potential cancer cases are assessed quickly. Early review speeds up diagnosis and improves outcomes. If you notice any new breast lump, nipple change, or skin changes, do not wait — contact Dr. Chirag Bhirud’s clinic at Jupiter Hospital immediately.
BCS is a surgical procedure where only the cancerous lump and a surrounding margin of normal tissue are removed, allowing the patient to keep most of their natural breast.
