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Cancers that affect women need early detection, proper diagnosis, and personalised treatment from oncology specialists. At Apollo Hospitals Lucknow’s Women's Cancer Care Program, we provide comprehensive treatment for cancers of the gynaecological tract, breast, thyroid, and anus through a multidisciplinary approach. From diagnostic procedures to surgical interventions, and from chemotherapy to fertility services, we provide tailor-made treatment based on your individual situation.

Why Choose Apollo Hospitals Lucknow for Women's Cancer ?

Women's Cancer Specialists

Receive treatment from specialists who are vastly knowledgeable in diagnosing and effectively treating various types of cancers that can affect women.

Multi-Specialty Tumour Board

Each challenging case is discussed by multiple specialists for planning a customised treatment protocol.

Advanced Diagnostic Services

State-of-the-art facilities in imaging, pathological studies, biopsy and laboratory analysis help in correct diagnosis.

Customised Treatment Protocol

A customised treatment protocol is tailored based on the type and stage of cancer, general health and future health prospects.

Organ & Fertility Preservation

When medically indicated, efforts to protect the reproductive organs and fertility are pursued.

Advanced Cancer Surgery

Certain individuals can take advantage of advanced methods, such as minimally invasive surgery, that can assist in faster recovery.

Oncology Care

Medical, surgical, and radiation oncology care is offered all in one place.

Survivorship & Rehabilitation

Follow-up care, nutrition, rehabilitation, and emotional support are provided for patient recovery.

What is Women's Cancer Care?

In Women’s Cancer Care, emphasis is placed on preventing, diagnosing, treating, and managing cancers that tend to afflict women. Early detection, accurate diagnosis and specialised treatment can lead to better outcomes and personalised treatment plans.

What Women's Cancers Are

"Women's cancer" refers to any form of cancer more specifically prevalent among women. Some commonly known women's cancers include-
  • Breast cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Uterine (Endometrial) cancer
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Vulvar cancer
  • Fallopian tube cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Anal cancer

Gynaecological vs Non-Gynaecological Cancer

 

Gynaecological CancerNon-Gynaecological Cancer
It affects female reproductive organsIt affects non-reproductive organs
Examples include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulva and fallopian tube cancersExamples include breast, thyroid, and anal cancers
It is treated by a gynecologic oncologist using a multidisciplinary cancer teamIt is managed by breast surgeons, endocrine surgeons, surgical oncologists and others


Which Organs Can Be Affected?

Women's cancers may affect different organs of the body, including Breast, Cervix, Uterus (Endometrium), Ovaries, Fallopian tubes, Vulva, Vagina, Thyroid gland, and Anal canal. Depending on the cancer type, nearby lymph nodes and surrounding tissues may also be affected.
 

Why is Early Diagnosis Important?

Many women's cancers cause few or no symptoms in their early stages. Recognising warning signs and seeking expert medical advice promptly can increase treatment options, reduce complications, enhance success rates, and improve long-term quality of life.
 

Why Specialist-Led Treatment Matters

Management of women’s cancer, including female reproductive cancer, usually needs a combined effort of various specialists. At Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, all patients receive comprehensive care by gynaecological oncologists, surgical oncologists, breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, fertility specialists, reconstructive surgeons, oncology nurses, dietitians, and physiotherapists.

Such a collaborative approach allows treatment decisions to be individualised and based on the latest evidence and clinical guidelines.

Types of Women's Cancers Treated at Apollo Hospitals Lucknow

  • Breast Cancer
  • Cervical Cancer
  • Ovarian Cancer
  • Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer
  • Vaginal Cancer
  • Vulvar Cancer
  • Thyroid Cancer
  • Anal Cancer
  • Fallopian Tube Cancer
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD)
Breast Cancer

It is the most common type of cancer found in women. The chances of treatment success are improved when cancers are detected early using breast awareness, physical exams, mammograms, and other imaging techniques. Breast conservation surgery, mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, or immunotherapy may be considered for treatment.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is most commonly caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV. A regular Pap smear and HPV test can help identify precancerous conditions early. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy is used for treatment depending on the stage.

Ovarian Cancer

The symptoms of ovarian cancer include frequent pelvic pain, bloating, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, etc. The treatment usually includes surgery followed by chemotherapy. Targeted therapy may also be recommended for some patients.

Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer

Uterine cancer develops from the tissues that form the lining of the uterus. The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause. Based on the stage, the treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.

Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is uncommon but highly treatable when diagnosed early. Symptoms may include abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or unusual discharge. Treatment depends on the stage and could include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or combined approaches.

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer occurs in the vulvar organs in women and can be marked by persistent itching, skin changes, ulcers, and lumps. Early detection of this condition may lead to less invasive treatment.

Thyroid Cancer

The disease occurs in the thyroid gland and can be recognised by an unexplained, painless lump in the neck region. The majority of thyroid cancers have good treatment outcomes with surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.

Anal Cancer

The symptoms of anal cancer include rectal bleeding, pain, itching, and lumps in the anus. Treatment options usually vary depending on the stage at which the disease occurs and may involve chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Fallopian Tube Cancer

Fallopian tube cancer is an uncommon female reproductive cancer that has symptoms similar to ovarian cancer, such as pelvic pain, bloating, and irregular vaginal bleeding. The treatment of fallopian tube cancer normally involves surgery and chemotherapy.

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD)

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) is a collection of uncommon disorders that develop due to the abnormal development of the placenta. Most GTD can be treated using chemotherapy and surgery.

Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore

Breast Lump or Thickening

Any new lump, thickening, or any changes in the breast or underarm area need to be checked. Though breast lumps can be benign, early assessment will help determine whether treatment is needed.

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Unusual vaginal bleeding like bleeding between periods, after menopause, during or after sexual intercourse, or abnormal heavy periods cannot be ignored and needs to be assessed.

Persistent Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain or pressure or discomfort that lasts for several weeks can be associated with ovarian, uterine, or other pelvic problems.

Chronic Bloating or Swollen Abdomen

Any recurrent bloating or abdominal distention must be medically assessed because it is one of the earliest signs of ovarian cancer or other abdominal conditions.

Change in Bowel Movements

Any recurrent constipation, diarrhoea, narrowing or difficulty passing the stool without any reason must be medically assessed if it persists for a few weeks.

Anal Bleeding or Pain

Bleeding, pain, itching or a mass in the anus region could occur due to various illnesses such as haemorrhoids or even anal cancer.

Neck Swelling or Lump

A painless mass in the neck region, especially if it progressively increases in size, may be a sign of a thyroid-related illness, including thyroid cancer.

Difficulty Swallowing or Voice Changes

If you have any trouble swallowing or changes to your voice that persist for longer than a few weeks, there is a possibility that you might have thyroid disease or another ailment that needs to be investigated.

Unexplained Weight Loss

An unexplained weight loss that is not associated with changes in diet or exercise routine may happen due to many illnesses; some of these illnesses include cancer.

Fatigue

Excessive fatigue, if persistent even with adequate rest, may indicate an underlying cause and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Risk Factors for Women's Cancer

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

Persistence of HPV infection by high-risk types of HPV is the most common risk factor when it comes to cervical cancer and for some cases of vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers.

Family History

History of breast, ovarian, uterine, and colon cancers in the family may be considered a risk factor and should be brought to attention when visiting a specialist for general health checkups.

BRCA Gene Mutations

Mutations in BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes greatly increase the lifetime risk of breast & ovarian cancers.

Inherited Genetic Syndromes

Some genetic syndromes may increase the risk of uterine, ovarian, and colon cancers. Genetic counselling may be recommended for eligible individuals.

Smoking

Tobacco use is generally linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including cervical and anal cancer, while also reducing the body's ability to respond effectively to treatment.

Obesity

Excess body weight is often associated with a higher risk of uterine, breast (after menopause), and several other cancers. Weight management can help reduce the risk of cancer overall.

Hormonal Factors

Prolonged hormonal activity, early periods, late menopause, hormone replacement therapy in certain people, and reproductive causes can affect the risk of cancer development.

Increasing Age

The risk of developing women’s cancers rises with age and becomes a reason for frequent screening.

Lifestyle Factors

Lack of exercise, poor nutrition, excessive drinking of alcohol, and lack of prevention can result in a higher risk of developing certain cancers.

Early Detection & Diagnosis

Early detection is key to better outcomes in cancer. Specialists at Apollo apply modern diagnostic methods, laboratory tests, and biopsies to diagnose the disease and stage the cancer, and to create a unique treatment plan.
 

General Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic TestPurposeCommonly Used For
UltrasoundExamines soft tissues and internal organsBreast, thyroid, pelvic and ovarian conditions
MRI ScanProvides detailed soft tissue imagingBreast, pelvic and gynaecological cancers
CT ScanEvaluates tumour size and spreadMost women's cancers
PET-CT ScanDetects metabolically active cancer cellsAdvanced and recurrent cancers
BiopsyRemoves tissue for laboratory analysisAll suspected cancers
HistopathologyConfirms cancer type and gradeAll confirmed cancers
Tumour Marker TestsSupports diagnosis and treatment monitoringOvarian and selected cancers

 

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Breast cancer evaluation usually begins with a clinical breast examination, where the specialist checks for lumps or other changes in the breast and underarm. Depending on age, symptoms, and risk factors, additional investigations such as mammography, breast ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy may be recommended. These tests help confirm the diagnosis, determine the extent of disease, and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

Screening tests play a vital role in the detection of cervical cancer even before the development of any symptoms. Pap smear test is used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix, and the HPV test is used to detect the presence of high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus. Abnormalities detected through the two tests require additional diagnostic procedures, such as colposcopy and biopsy tests, to identify the disease's stage and make the correct diagnosis.

Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosis of thyroid cancer usually involves first doing a physical examination, then proceeding with a thyroid ultrasound scan to establish whether there are abnormal nodules in the thyroid glands. If a nodule is suspicious, Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is usually done to examine the thyroid cells under the microscope.

Comprehensive Treatments Available

Women's cancer treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, molecular characteristics, overall health, and personal preferences. At Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, each treatment plan is designed by a multidisciplinary team to ensure personalised evidence-based care.
Surgical Oncology

Surgery remains one of the primary treatments for many women's cancers. Depending on the diagnosis, surgeons may remove the tumour alone or perform more extensive procedures to achieve the best possible outcome while preserving healthy tissue whenever feasible.

Breast Cancer Surgery

Treatment may include breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, or axillary surgery. Whenever appropriate, specialists discuss reconstructive options to help restore breast appearance after surgery.

Gynaecological Cancer Surgery

Surgical treatments for gynecologic cancers include hysterectomy, ovarian procedures, lymph node testing, and cytoreductive surgery, among others. Patients may choose to undergo minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical methods where applicable.

Chemotherapy

It involves using anti-cancer drugs that either kill cancer cells or slow their proliferation rate. It may involve treatment prior to surgery (neoadjuvant therapy), following surgery (adjuvant therapy) or on its own for advanced cases of cancer.

Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy aims to destroy cancerous cells by targeting high-energy rays directly at the cancer cells while minimising exposure to neighbouring normal cells.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted treatment targets cancer cell molecular alterations. Targeted treatment allows for precise treatment of some breast, ovarian, and other types of cancer with minimal damage to normal tissue.

Immunotherapy

Immune therapy increases the body’s immune response against cancer cells. Immunotherapy is advised only for selected types of cancer based on tumour markers and clinical indications.

Hormonal Therapy

Hormone therapy is commonly used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and selected gynaecological cancers. It helps reduce the effect of hormones that can stimulate cancer growth.

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgeries, especially after breast cancer surgeries, help in restoration of the appearance and contribute towards physical and psychological well-being. The choice depends on each patient's individual requirements.

Fertility Preservation

Women who want to conceive in the future can consider options for fertility preservation like egg/embryo/oocytes cryopreservation prior to cancer treatments wherever medically feasible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What types of cancer come under the care for Women's Cancers at Apollo Hospitals Lucknow?
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Apollo Hospitals Lucknow focuses on the treatment of breast, cervical, ovarian, uterine (endometrial), vaginal, vulvar, fallopian tube, thyroid, and anal cancers as well as GTD.

2 When should I consult a women's cancer specialist?
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Consult the specialist if you notice any of these symptoms: breast lump, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating, swelling of the neck, weight loss, and other signs persisting for more than two weeks. Ladies with a history of cancer in their family should also get regular checkups.

3 What are the common early symptoms of women's cancers?
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Among the early symptoms are breast lumps, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating, bowel trouble, swelling of the neck, trouble swallowing, weight loss, and fatigue.

4 What screening tests are available for early detection?
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Tests may include a clinical breast examination, mammography, a Pap smear, an HPV test, ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, PET-CT, biopsy, histopathology, and tumour marker tests. Your doctor will recommend the most suitable tests.

5 Is every woman's cancer gynaecological?
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No. Gynaecological cancers involve the reproductive system. Breast, thyroid, and anal cancers are not gynaecological yet fall within the scope of women's cancer services.

6 What treatment options are available for women's cancers?
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Treatments differ depending on the patient. The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, and you could be treated through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, reconstructive surgery, fertility preservation or a combination of any of these treatments.

7 Can fertility be preserved during cancer treatment?
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Yes, in many instances, a doctor can assist you in finding ways to preserve your fertility. Based on your case, there are different options that can be discussed with the doctor prior to the procedure, such as embryo freezing or egg freezing

8 Do all patients require surgery?
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Not every patient will have to go through surgery. Some cancers respond well to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc. It essentially depends on the type of cancer and its stage.

9 How is a treatment plan decided for each patient?
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In every case, doctors will develop a treatment plan after reviewing the patient's entire medical record in detail. The treatment plan will be discussed with the patient before starting the process. Each case is unique and must be treated accordingly.

10 Why choose Apollo Hospitals Lucknow for Women's Cancer Care?
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Because at Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, you will get everything from experience and diagnostics to personal treatment, a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, minimally invasive surgery, rehabilitation and follow-up care all under one roof.

11 Cancer ke lakshan kya hain? (What are the early symptoms of cancer?)
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Cancer ke lakshan har cancer ke type par depend karte hain. Aam lakshanon mein breast mein lump, asamanya bleeding, pelvic pain, pet phoolna, achanak weight kam hona, neck mein swelling aur zyada thakaan shamil ho sakte hain. Agar ye lakshan do hafton se zyada rahein, toh doctor se zaroor milen.

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Dr Esha Pai
Oncology
Apollo Hospitals Lucknow
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