Q: My mother, 57 years old, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The doctor told us that the cancer was at an advanced stage and it couldn’t be cured. We are still waiting for the biopsy reports. Please help me on this. Is there any scope for treatment? Which hospital will be best for her?

A:After reviewing the brief history of your mother’s illness, it seems that she is suffering from an advanced case of Breast Cancer. Advanced stage breast cancer can be separated into two groups - Locally Advanced Breast Cancer and Metastatic Breast Cancer (spread to other distant organs). As the stage advances the chances of a complete cure comes down. Metastatic breast cancer is particularly bad disease, more so if there is a visceral involvement (involvement of organs other than bone and soft tissue). Locally advanced breast cancer can be cured in many patients with the advancement in treatment strategies. Wherever you decide your mother should be treated, have faith in your doctor. Everywhere the treatment is guided by international guidelines tailored to the individual patients needs.