CION Ameerpet
Hyderabad's Multidisciplinary Cancer Network
4.8 · 800+ reviews · *1-yr survival rate, breast cancer
Advanced breast cancer treatment in Hyderabad — 96.9% survival rate.*
Same NCCN protocols used at MD Anderson and Memorial Sloan Kettering, delivered by a panel of 17+ oncologists. The result: a one-year breast cancer survival rate of 96.9% versus the 85.4% national average.
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Latest treatments: targeted therapy, immunotherapy, IMRT/IGRT/SBRT radiation
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Free 45-min consultation + free second opinion (worth ₹950)
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Written treatment plan + cost estimate before anything starts
4.8 · 800+ reviews · *1-yr survival rate, breast cancer
17+
Cancer Specialists
on Panel
on Panel
96.9%
Breast Cancer
Survival Rate*
Survival Rate*
15,000+
Patients
Treated
Treated
4.8★
Google Rating
(800+ reviews)
(800+ reviews)
12+ Centres in Hyderabad · Pick yours
CION breast cancer care is closer than you think.
We're never more than 30 minutes away. Same panel of breast-cancer specialists at every centre. Same tumour board reviews. Same NCCN protocols. Pick the closest one and call directly — or let us pick for you.
CION Ameerpet
CION Kukatpally
CION L.B. Nagar
CION Tolichowki
CION Masab Tank
CION Banjara Hills
CION Kompally
CION Siddipet
CION Sangareddy
Not sure which centre fits best? Tell us where you are — we'll suggest the closest one with the right breast cancer specialists.
Beyond Hyderabad
35+ centres across Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
Travelling for breast cancer treatment? We may have a centre right where you are.
Telangana
Andhra Pradesh
Don't see your city? Call 18002028726 — we'll find your nearest CION partner centre.
Meet The Specialists
17+ senior cancer specialists. One panel for your case.
Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Mohammed Imran
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
Want a specific doctor for your case? Mention them when booking.
Free Consultation
Speak to a breast cancer specialist — no commitment required.
You've seen our data. Now meet the team. Book a free 45-minute consultation and get a detailed review of your reports by a senior oncologist.
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Detailed report review by a breast cancer specialist
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Clear treatment options & written cost estimate
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Confidential · No commitment to start treatment
Real Stories. Real Voices.
15,000+ patients chose CION. Hear from them directly.
These aren't paid endorsements or written reviews. These are video testimonials from real patients and families — recorded on their own phones, in their own words. Pick any one. Watch it. Then decide.
4.8★
800+ Google reviews
50+
video testimonials
15,000+
patients treated
Read all 800+ reviews on
Google
Every breast cancer treatment, under one roof.
Treatment Options at CIONWhatever your breast cancer plan looks like, we deliver it here.
We don't ship you between hospitals for chemo, surgery, and radiation. The full breast-cancer treatment journey happens at CION — coordinated by a single panel, with your records all in one place.
Chemotherapy
Personalised chemo regimens guided by NCCN protocols and the patient's tumour biology. Delivered at every CION centre with senior medical oncologist oversight, anti-emetic care, and supportive therapy to keep side effects manageable.
Outpatient · 4–8 cycles
Breast Conservation Surgery (Lumpectomy)
When tumour size and stage permit, we recommend conservation over mastectomy. Surgical oncologists with thousands of breast cases preserve healthy tissue, followed by precision radiation.
Day-care · Quick recovery
Mastectomy + Reconstruction
When mastectomy is the safer choice, we offer simple, modified-radical, and skin/nipple-sparing options — with reconstruction discussed upfront, not as an afterthought.
Reconstruction options included
Radiation Therapy
Modern external-beam radiation with IMRT, IGRT and SBRT. Tumour board reviews every plan to spare healthy tissue and the heart — particularly important for left-sided breast cancer.
IMRT · IGRT · SBRT
Hormone Therapy
For hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer — drugs based on menopausal status and risk profile. Long-term follow-up to manage adherence and side effects.
For HR-positive cancers
Targeted Therapy
For HER2-positive and other actionable subtypes, Genomic testing identifies the right target before treatment is started.
HER2 · ADCs · Precision care
Immunotherapy
For triple-negative and select metastatic cases — checkpoint inhibitors used alongside chemotherapy when biomarkers indicate likely benefit. Always panel-vetted.
For TNBC and select cases
Second Opinion (Free)
Already started treatment elsewhere? Bring your reports — biopsy, scans, prescriptions — and our breast cancer panel will review them and tell you honestly whether the plan is the right one.
100% confidential"Breast cancer is breast cancer." — actually, no. There are at least four.
Subtype EducationYour subtype changes almost everything.
Stage tells us how far the cancer has spread. Subtype — defined by hormone receptor (ER/PR) and HER2 status — tells us what the cancer responds to. Two patients with the same stage can have completely different protocols, durations, and outcomes based on subtype. This is why "best treatment" depends entirely on biology.
Most common · 65–70% of cases
HR-Positive (ER+/PR+, HER2-negative)
Hormone receptors fuel the cancer's growth. Treatment focuses on blocking these hormones, often after chemotherapy or surgery.
Typical protocol:
- Surgery (BCS or mastectomy) ± radiation
- Chemotherapy if high-risk (gene panel may decide)
- Hormone therapy for 5–10 years (hormone therapy or aromatase inhibitor)
- CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy) for high-risk early disease — newer addition
Outlook: Generally favourable. 5-year survival 90%+ when caught early.
Long-term hormone therapy is the bigger commitment than the cancer treatment.
~15–20% of cases
HER2-Positive
HER2 protein over-expression drives aggressive growth. Once the worst subtype — now one of the most treatable, thanks to anti-HER2 therapies.
Typical protocol:
- Often chemo-first (neoadjuvant) — HER2-targeted therapy combined with chemotherapy
- Surgery after, with assessment of pathological response
- If residual disease at surgery: switch to advanced HER2-targeted therapy for 14 cycles
- Total HER2-targeted therapy duration: 1 year
- Hormone therapy if also ER-positive
Outlook: Transformed since 2005. Long-term survival is now
similar to HR-positive disease in many cases. Cardiac monitoring required
(echo every 3 months on HER2-targeted therapy).
~10–15% of cases
Triple-Negative (TNBC)
No hormone receptors, no HER2 over-expression. Historically the hardest subtype — but rapidly improving with immunotherapy and PARP inhibitors.
Typical protocol:
- Almost always chemo-first (neoadjuvant)
- For PD-L1-positive: immunotherapy + chemotherapy (current evidence-based protocols)
- Surgery after; mastectomy more common in TNBC
- If BRCA-positive: consider PARP inhibitor therapy post-treatment
- Continued immunotherapy for ~1 year if appropriate
Outlook: Improving rapidly. Five-year survival has shifted
meaningfully with newer regimens. BRCA testing is essential — changes both
treatment options and family-screening implications.
Newer category · ~50% of HER2-negative
HER2-Low (a recent re-classification)
Patients previously labelled "HER2-negative" with IHC 1+ or 2+/FISH-negative are now recognised as a distinct group with new treatment options.
Typical protocol:
- Treated like HR+/HER2- if ER-positive — but with new options at recurrence
- Advanced HER2-targeted therapy approved for metastatic HER2-low
- Re-test slides if you were diagnosed pre-2022 and called "HER2-negative"
- This is the newest standard — many older diagnoses haven't been re-tested
Outlook: If you were diagnosed before 2022 and have recurrent or
metastatic disease, ask for HER2-low re-testing. It may open new options that
didn't exist when you were first treated.
Bring your IHC report to your CION consultation. It tells us your ER, PR, HER2, and Ki-67 status — the four numbers that drive everything. We'll explain what each means for you specifically and walk through the protocol that matches your subtype, not a generic one.
"What are my chances?" — fair question. Honest answer.
Survival DataSurvival rates, explained honestly.
Most websites give a single survival number and move on. The truth is messier and more specific to you. Here are 5-year survival rates by stage and subtype — from US national data (SEER) and Indian published series — with honest caveats about what they mean for any one person.
| Stage | HR-positive (HER2-) | HER2-positive | Triple-negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 0 (DCIS) | ~99% | ~99% | ~99% |
| Stage I | ~99% | ~95% | ~90% |
| Stage II | ~93% | ~89% | ~77% |
| Stage III | ~75% | ~73% | ~52% |
| Stage IV (metastatic) | ~33% | ~40% | ~12% |
Source: US SEER 2014–2020 5-year relative survival data. Outcomes in India track similarly stage-for-stage but late presentation skews aggregate Indian survival lower than US data.
CION's published outcomes
96.9%
1-year survival across all CION breast cancer cases
85.4%
National Indian average — 11.5 percentage point gap
800+
Cases per year — denominator for our outcome data
Our outcome data is published, audited, and available on request at consultation. We track it because survival is what actually matters — not testimonials, not awards, not equipment lists.
We don't sugarcoat. We don't catastrophise. Honest, evidence-based, specific to you.
"What does my stage actually mean?" — patients ask this every day.
Treatment by StageDifferent stage, different treatment plan.
Stage describes how far the cancer has spread — and it's the single biggest factor in deciding treatment.
Stage 0 — DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
Abnormal cells confined to the milk ducts — not yet invasive. Often detected during screening mammograms.
Typical plan:
- Lumpectomy
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy if HR-positive
- No chemotherapy needed
5-year survival:
~99%
Stage I — Small invasive tumour
Cancer is invasive but still small and lymph nodes are clear.
Typical plan:
- Lumpectomy or mastectomy
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy if HER2-positive
5-year survival:
~99%
Stage II — Larger tumour or limited node involvement
One of the most common stages diagnosed in India.
Typical plan:
- Chemotherapy before surgery
- Breast conservation or mastectomy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy if HER2-positive
5-year survival:
~93%
Stage III — Locally advanced breast cancer
Cancer has spread extensively to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Typical plan:
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
- Mastectomy + node clearance
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy / targeted therapy
5-year survival:
~72%
Stage IV — Metastatic breast cancer
Cancer has spread to organs like bone, liver, lungs, or brain.
Typical plan:
- Hormone therapy + CDK4/6 inhibitors
- HER2 targeted therapies
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation or surgery when needed
Modern treatments now help many patients live for years.
Important:
Treatment varies based on subtype, age, health conditions,
and patient preferences.
Breast cancer treatment looks different in 2026 than it did in 2020.
What's New in 2026The treatments your oncologist couldn't offer five years ago.
Breast cancer is one of the fastest-evolving areas in oncology. Several treatments that didn't exist or weren't accessible a few years ago are now standard at CION. Here's what changed — and how it affects your options.
2022 → standard
Advanced HER2-targeted Therapy
An antibody-based targeted therapy that delivers chemotherapy directly to HER2-expressing cancer cells. Has changed metastatic breast cancer outcomes substantially.
Notably, it works in HER2-LOW breast cancer — patients who would have been called "HER2-negative" five years ago now have a powerful new option.
Available at CION · Tumour board reviewed
Test now standard
HER2-low Recognition
HER2 testing used to be binary — positive or negative. We now identify HER2-LOW (IHC 1+ or 2+/FISH-) as a distinct group eligible for new targeted therapy.
If you were diagnosed before 2022 and told you were "HER2-negative", your tumour may qualify for re-testing. Bring your old slides — we can request HER2-low IHC scoring.
Standard testing protocol at CION
Major advance
CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Early Disease
CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy was used initially for metastatic HR-positive disease. It is now considered in selected high-risk EARLY breast cancer cases after surgery.
Reduces recurrence risk for high-risk HR-positive cases by an additional ~25% on top of hormone therapy alone.
Selected case-by-case at tumour board
For triple-negative
immunotherapy + Chemotherapy
For early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), checkpoint immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy before surgery + continued after — has improved outcomes substantially.
TNBC was historically the hardest subtype to treat. Outcomes have changed meaningfully with this regimen.
Available at CION for eligible patients
Surgery less invasive
De-escalating Axillary Surgery
Modern guidelines support smaller surgery for many patients — sentinel node biopsy alone instead of full axillary clearance, even when 1–2 nodes are involved (with adjuvant therapy).
Means significantly lower lymphedema risk for most patients, without compromising survival.
Default approach at CION when criteria met
Precision oncology
Genomic Testing
For node-negative, HR-positive early breast cancer, genomic tests calculate recurrence risk score — telling us whether chemotherapy would actually add benefit, or if hormone therapy alone is enough.
Has spared many women from unnecessary chemotherapy. Could save you 4–6 cycles of chemo if your score is low.
Recommended in eligible cases
Precision Oncology
Genomic testing — should you ask for it?
For early-stage HR-positive breast cancer, the question "do I need chemo?" can sometimes be answered with a tumour gene expression test rather than guessing.
- Recurrence-score testing calculates recurrence risk. Low score may mean hormone therapy alone is enough; high score may show chemo benefit.
- Gene-expression profiling categorises tumours as low or high genomic risk based on tumour biology.
- BRCA1/2 testing — important for treatment choice (PARP inhibitor eligibility) AND family screening.
- Cost reality: Genomic tests can be expensive in India. We help with insurance and patient assistance pathways.
Second Opinion Process
How a CION second opinion actually works.
A second opinion isn't a fight — it's a normal step in cancer care. Here's exactly what happens at CION when you bring an existing diagnosis or treatment plan.
- Day 0: Book the free 45-minute consultation. Bring all your reports — biopsy, imaging, doctor notes, prescriptions.
- Day 1–3: Slides may be sent to our pathology lab for review. Imaging is reviewed by our radiologists.
- Day 3–5: Your case goes through tumour board if it's complex. You get our written panel-vetted recommendation.
- Day 5+: You decide. Stay where you are with the original plan, switch to our plan, or ask for a third opinion. We'll send your records back if you want.
3 Things You Won't Find at Most Cancer Hospitals
The reason breast cancer patients drive past 4 hospitals to reach us
Most hospitals do breast cancer treatment. CION does breast cancer care — and the difference shows up in three ways most patients only notice when something goes wrong elsewhere.
01
Three doctors, one decision.
A medical, surgical, and radiation oncologist sit together and review your breast cancer case before treatment is recommended. Not one doctor's opinion — a panel's consensus.
17+
specialists on every
tumour board
tumour board
02
NCCN protocols. Not just "we follow guidelines."
The same National Comprehensive Cancer Network protocols used at MD Anderson and Memorial Sloan Kettering. We can show you which protocol your treatment follows. Most hospitals can't.
16%
higher recovery rate
vs national average
vs national average
03
Written estimate. Before treatment.
Every patient gets a written treatment plan with cost breakdown before anything starts. No surprise bills. No verbal-only quotes that change. We're upfront because we have to be.
100%
written cost estimates,
before treatment
before treatment
"We follow guidelines." — every hospital says it. Few will show you which page.
NCCN, VerifiedNCCN Protocols. Cited by page number.
NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) guidelines are the global gold standard for cancer treatment — used at MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Mayo Clinic. They're updated multiple times a year. Most Indian hospitals say they follow them. We'll show you the page.
What NCCN is
A consortium of 33 leading cancer centres in the US that publish detailed, evidence-based treatment recommendations for every cancer type and stage. The breast cancer guideline runs 200+ pages, updated 4–5 times yearly as new evidence emerges.
They're free to access at nccn.org after registration. Anyone can read them. Anyone can ask which page their hospital is following.
Why it matters specifically for breast cancer
Breast cancer treatment changes faster than almost any other oncology field. What was standard in 2019 has been replaced multiple times. Following NCCN means your treatment isn't years out of date.
Examples of NCCN updates that changed treatment in the last 3 years: HER2-low recognition (2022) · CDK4/6 inhibitors in early disease (2022) · current evidence-based protocols for TNBC (2021) · PARP inhibitor therapy for BRCA-mutated cases (2022).
How CION operationalises NCCN
1
Current guideline always on the screen
Tumour board has the latest NCCN guideline open during every case discussion. The version number is recorded in your file.
2
Page reference in your written plan
Your treatment plan cites the specific NCCN page that supports each recommendation. BINV-1 page 23. RT-1 page 47. You can verify any decision against the source.
3
Where we deviate, we tell you why
Sometimes NCCN guidelines list multiple equivalent options. Sometimes Indian patient context (cost, access, comorbidities) leads to adjustments. We document the deviation and the reason.
4
Quarterly internal audit
Random sample of recent cases is reviewed against NCCN protocol every quarter. Findings shared with the panel. We track adherence and discrepancies.
Questions you can ask any hospital — including us
- "Which NCCN guideline version are you following for my case?"
- "Which page references support my treatment plan?"
- "Has my case been reviewed against current NCCN guidelines specifically?"
- "Where does your recommendation deviate from NCCN, and why?"
- "How often is your tumour board updated on NCCN changes?"
- "Are there NCCN-recommended options you can't deliver here? If so, which?"
Vague answers are the problem. If a hospital can't answer these, they may be following NCCN broadly but not in detail — which is most of them.
Numbers patients can hold us to.
Our Clinical OutcomesCION survival rates vs national average
Outcomes that come from following NCCN protocols, multidisciplinary tumour board reviews, and proactive supportive care across the full treatment journey.
Breast cancer
96.9%
CION
85.4%
National
Cervical cancer
83.3%
CION
67.3%
National
Ovarian cancer
81.0%
CION
73.7%
National
Oral cancer
80.0%
CION
71.6%
National
Note: Survival rates measured over a 1-year period.
National averages sourced from published Indian oncology data.
Individual outcomes vary based on stage, type, and patient factors.
Our Promise to You
We know what you're worried about.
We know what you're worried about.
Here's what we'll never do.
Cancer treatment is the most consequential decision most families ever make. These aren't features — they're commitments.
We will never pressure you to start treatment with us.
The free consultation is genuinely free, with no obligation. If our doctors don't think CION is the right fit for your case, we'll tell you that — and refer you elsewhere if needed.
We will never quote a price verbally and bill differently.
Every patient gets a written treatment plan with cost breakdown, line by line, before treatment starts. What you read is what you pay. Insurance gaps are spelled out — not glossed over.
We will never rush a diagnosis or treatment decision.
Every complex case goes through our multidisciplinary tumour board — even if it adds a day. Same-day consultations are available, but big decisions get the time they deserve.
We will never discourage a second opinion.
We actively recommend you get one — at CION or elsewhere. Confident doctors don't fear being questioned. Bring our plan to any other oncologist in India. If they suggest something better, take it.
We will never turn you away because of insurance.
ArogyaSri, CGHS, ECHS, EHS, and all major private insurers are accepted. Cashless wherever possible. Our admissions team handles the paperwork end-to-end so you can focus on getting better.
We will never hide the truth to keep you hopeful.
Our doctors give you the prognosis honestly — including when the news is hard. False reassurance helps no one. You'll get the full picture, in plain language, and a clear plan for what comes next.
Have questions about any of these? Talk to a senior oncologist — free.
"Should I get a second opinion?" — yes. Here's exactly how, with us or anywhere.
Second Opinion ProcessAlready started treatment elsewhere? Bring your reports.
Around 22% of CION second-opinion reviews change something material in the original plan — a different therapy, a sentinel-only approach instead of axillary clearance, a BCS instead of mastectomy, or genomic testing that wasn't ordered. We don't always disagree with your current oncologist — but it's worth checking.
What we tell second-opinion patients honestly
- About 78% of cases get the same plan — your original oncologist was probably right. The second opinion confirms that and gives you peace of mind.
- About 22% of cases get a meaningful change — usually a different treatment plan, a different sequence, or a less aggressive surgery.
- We don't compete with your current oncologist. Even when we disagree, we frame it as "here's a different approach to consider" not "they're wrong".
- Free is genuinely free. Pathology re-review, radiology re-read, panel discussion — no charge if you don't proceed with us.
- Wait time is rarely a concern. Most patients can wait 1 week for a considered second opinion. If your case is genuinely urgent (rapid progression, concerning new symptoms), we expedite to 24–48 hours.
No commitment to transfer. We'll send the report whether you stay with us or not.
No patient turned away because of insurance.
✓ All Major Insurances & Government Schemes Accepted
ArogyaSri
CGHS
ECHS
EHS
Star Health
HDFC Ergo
Bajaj Allianz
ICICI Lombard
Max Bupa
Care Health
+ many more
Take 60 seconds. We'll do the rest.
Free 45-min ConsultationStill wondering if CION is right for you?
Tell us your name and number. One of our patient coordinators will call you back within 15 minutes (during business hours), answer your questions honestly, and help you book a consultation if you choose. No pressure.
15-min callback
100% Confidential
Free Consultation
Removing the unknowns
What actually happens at your free consultation?
Most people hesitate to book because they don't know what they're walking into. Here's exactly what happens — minute by minute. No surprises, no pressure.
0–5 min
Reception & paperwork
You're greeted by our patient coordinator. Quick form for basic details. Coffee or water if you want it. Wait time is rarely more than 10 minutes.
5–15 min
Listening session — your story, in your words
The oncologist sits with you, no rush. You explain what's going on, what's worrying you, what you've already been told. This part matters most. We listen before we look.
15–25 min
Report review & explanation
Bring whatever you have — biopsy, scans, blood reports, prescriptions. The oncologist reviews each one in front of you and explains what each means in plain language. No medical jargon dump.
25–35 min
Treatment options + cost transparency
Here's where you get clarity: what are the treatment paths, what does each cost, what does insurance cover, what are the trade-offs. Written estimate, line by line. For complex cases, your file goes to the tumour board next.
35–45 min
Your questions. Every single one.
Ask anything. About second opinions, about whether to wait, about whether another hospital might be better for your case. We answer honestly — even when the answer isn't "come to CION."
After
You leave with: the plan in writing.
Take it home. Discuss it with your family. Compare it with other hospitals. You're not committed to anything. If you choose CION, we move next steps in 24 hrs. If not — that's fine. The consultation is yours to keep.
✓ No pre-payment · ✓ No commitment · ✓ Cancel anytime
Most people ask the same 8 questions before booking.
Common QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to what most of our patients ask before booking.
What's the latest breast cancer treatment available in 2026?
Major recent advances available at CION include newer HER2-targeted options for HER2-positive and HER2-LOW disease, CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy for selected high-risk early cases, immunotherapy with chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer, and PARP inhibitor therapy for BRCA-mutation carriers.
What does my stage of breast cancer mean for treatment?
Stage 0 (DCIS) is non-invasive — typically lumpectomy + radiation, no chemo. Stage I is small invasive — surgery + adjuvant therapy, often without chemo if biology favours hormone therapy. Stage II is most common in India — often chemo before surgery. Stage III is locally advanced — multimodal treatment with chemo, surgery, radiation, and targeted/immunotherapy. Stage IV is metastatic — long-term control with newer agents, many patients live many years.
What is NCCN protocol and why does it matter?
NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) is a US-based consortium of 33 leading cancer centres including Memorial Sloan Kettering and MD Anderson. NCCN guidelines are the most widely-followed evidence-based protocol set globally. Following NCCN means your treatment plan is consistent with the best-resourced cancer centres in the world. CION explicitly references NCCN — we can show you the relevant page in your file.
Should I get a second opinion before starting breast cancer treatment?
Yes — and many CION patients come specifically for a second opinion. Cancer treatment is rarely so urgent that 1–2 weeks for a panel review will harm outcomes. Bring all your reports — biopsy, imaging, doctor notes. We'll review through tumour board, give you a written opinion, and send your records back if you choose to proceed elsewhere. The second opinion is free.
What is genomic recurrence-score testing and do I need it?
Genomic recurrence-score testing calculates recurrence risk for HR-positive, node-negative or limited-node early breast cancer. A low score may mean hormone therapy alone is likely sufficient, while a high score can show chemotherapy benefit. We help with insurance and patient-assistance pathways. Not every patient needs it; we recommend it based on your tumour features.
What's the breast cancer 5-year survival rate?
Stage 0 and Stage I: ~99%. Stage II: ~93% with full multimodal treatment. Stage III: ~72% with full treatment — improving rapidly with newer agents. Stage IV (metastatic): outcomes depend heavily on subtype; median survival has more than doubled in the last decade. CION's overall breast cancer 1-year survival is 96.9% versus the 85.4% national average.
Are clinical trials available for breast cancer at CION?
We participate in selected international and Indian breast cancer clinical trials, particularly for metastatic disease and novel targeted agents. Eligibility depends on subtype, prior treatments, and trial criteria. Ask your oncologist at consultation if there's a trial relevant to your case — we never pressure trial enrolment, but we share the option when it exists.
What's better — chemotherapy first or surgery first for breast cancer?
Survival is equivalent when chemotherapy is indicated; the order is chosen for tactical reasons. Chemo-first (neoadjuvant) is preferred for larger tumours that may shrink to allow breast conservation, for HER2-positive and triple-negative subtypes, and to assess response in vivo. Surgery-first is preferred for smaller HR-positive tumours, particularly when genomic testing confirms low recurrence risk.
Is HER2-low breast cancer a real category — and does it matter for treatment?
Yes. Until 2022, HER2 testing was effectively binary — positive or negative. We now identify HER2-LOW (IHC 1+ or 2+/FISH-negative) as a distinct group eligible for advanced HER2-targeted therapy, a powerful targeted therapy. If you were diagnosed before 2022 and told you were HER2-negative, your tumour may qualify for re-testing under HER2-low criteria. Bring old slides — we can request HER2-low IHC scoring.
How does CION's breast cancer second opinion process actually work?
Day 0: book the free 45-minute consultation, bring all reports. Day 1–3: slides may go to our pathology lab for review; imaging reviewed by our radiologists. Day 3–5: complex cases reviewed at tumour board — you get a written panel-vetted recommendation. Day 5+: you decide. Stay where you are with the original plan, switch to ours, or ask for a third opinion. We send your records back if you want.
Book your slot today
Take the next step with confidence.
Take the next step with confidence.
Free 45-min consultation, no obligation.
One conversation can change how you understand your diagnosis. Bring your reports, ask any questions, leave with a clear plan. No pressure, no fees, no commitment.
⏱ Same-day & next-day slots available · Open 9:30 AM — 6 PM, Mon–Sat