Management of Breast Cancer in Nepal

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy among women in Nepal. It is more common
in young premenopausal women. Breast cancer continues to increase in incidence due to lifestyle
changes in Nepalese women despite constant remarkable development in the management of this
disease over the past three decades. Breast cancer was diagnosed solely clinically and surgery was
the only treatment option until fi fty years ago. Multidisciplinary approach has been adopted for
diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in Nepal. Imaging is required for the diagnosis, appropriate
treatment decision and proper follow up. Treatment modality depends upon the extent of the
disease and tumor biology. However, there is a strong need for standard guidelines for the proper
management of breast cancer in Nepal so that surgeries, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and
radiotherapy are standardized in the country. Palliative care has been initiated to provide to some
patients with metastatic breast cancer recently.
The breast cancer management in Nepal is a little different when compared with the centers in the
developed countries. The reasons are socioeconomic status, lack of education and lack of facilities.
Although cancer care is on the rise in Nepal, the optimal facility for centers managing breast cancer
has to be improved signifi cantly.Cancer education, screening and early detection are the key
elements to infl uence the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of breast cancer in Nepal. Breast cancer
awareness and clinical breast examination are important tools for early detection in our resource
limited context. Breast cancer can be cured in majority of the cases if diagnosed in early stages.
This review will focus on relevant patient data along with future recommendation regarding breast
cancer treatment in Nepal.
Key Words: Breast cancer, cancer education, chemotherapy, imaging, radiotherapy, surgery