Saving breast now a key focus in cancer treatment: Experts

Patna: Breast cancer treatment is no longer confined to complete removal of the breast, as specialists increasingly focus on preservation techniques and patient-centric surgical care.

Several emerging techniques to treat breast cancer were explained and live surgeries performed by the experts on the first day of the two-day conference organised by the Association of Breast Cancer of India (ABSI) christened ABSI SkillCon-2026.

Speaking during the live surgery session, noted UK-based doctor of Indian origin Dr Rishikesh Parameshwar said every possible effort is made in England to preserve a woman’s breast while treating cancer. He described oncoplastic surgery as the future of breast cancer treatment and elaborated on its scope and challenges before participating surgeons and trainees.

The first day of the programme began with a live breast cancer surgery workshop. Surgeons from England and leading medical institutes across India performed operations that were broadcast live to attendees. Operating doctors also gave real-time commentary, while participants asked questions during the procedures and received immediate responses.

The workshop saw participation from specialist surgeons from across the country. More than 200 residents and postgraduate doctors attended the sessions. Experts provided hands-on training through live surgeries, enabling participants to understand and adopt advanced procedures.

Organising chairman and senior cancer surgeon Dr V P Singh said cancer is a serious and rapidly increasing disease that must be controlled in time. Held under the message “Awareness is Prevention,” the workshop featured discussions by national and international experts on the latest techniques and treatment approaches in breast cancer care.

Organising secretary Dr Aakash Kumar Singh said such workshops offer new direction to the medical field by helping doctors sharpen their skills and improve the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment.

Dr Rahul Kumar Chaudhary said each patient is different and treatment plans must therefore be individualised. He said better outcomes can be achieved through the right technique and timely surgery.

A formal inauguration ceremony was held in the evening which was attended by several senior cancer and general surgeons from Bihar.

Multiple institutions partnered in the event, including prominent govt institutions like AIIMS-Patna, IGIMS and PMCH and some private hospitals and colleges. Detailed discussions were also held on modern surgical techniques, oncoplastic surgery and endoscopic methods.