A study by Chennai Breast Centre involving over 12,000 women found fragmented breast cancer testing across multiple centres leads to inaccurate diagnosis and repeat tests. The findings, shared at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, show many breast cancer cases are missed or misdiagnosed due to uncoordinated testing. Dr. Selvi Radhakrishna, lead researcher and Senior Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, explained India’s current process: “Typically, a woman notices a lump, visits a clinic for a check-up, is sent elsewhere for imaging, and then to another lab for a biopsy. Each step requires separate appointments, long waits, travel, and paperwork, which delays diagnosis, increases the risk of errors, and can result in patients dropping out before completing all necessary tests.” The study examined 12,156 patients aged 12 to 93. Over 50% of those who had imaging done outside the centre needed repeat scans. Among 479 patients with external biopsies, 120 (25.1%) needed repeat biopsies, with 75 (62.5%) confirmed malignant. Only 11% of women under 40 had mammograms. The study stresses the need for single, integrated breast cancer centres. Dr. Selvi said, “In a typical one-stop centre, all diagnostic steps — clinical examination, imaging, and biopsy if needed — are completed under one roof in about 125 minutes, with biopsy reports within 72 hours. This allows treatment planning in 2-3 visits, reducing errors and delays.” With India facing nearly 2,50,000 new breast cancer cases and over 1,00,000 deaths in 2024, the study urges urgent action. “India urgently needs single, integrated one-stop centres with strong policy oversight and quality standards,” Dr. Selvi added.