· The Conclave “From Grey Zones to Black & White,” aims to signal a decisive shift toward evidence-based clarity in breast cancer management.
· It marks an evolution in clinical decision-making, moving away from fear-driven overtreatment to precision-led, patient-centric care.
Championing precision oncology, Apollo Athenaa, Asia’s first dedicated cancer centre for Women, is redefining breast cancer management by advancing care toward greater accuracy and turning long-standing ‘grey zones’ into evidence-led clarity. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, this commitment takes centre stage at the Apollo Athenaa Cancer Conclave 2026, themed “From Grey Zones to Black & White in the Management of Breast Cancer,” underscoring the shift from ambiguity and fear-driven decisions to clear, evidence-based, precision-led care that prioritises both survival and quality of life.
Apollo Athenaa was built on a simple but powerful vision to move breast cancer care in India from uncertainty to clarity, from grey to black and white. To make that vision real, the conclave brings together the country's leading Breast Surgeons, Medical Oncologists, Breast Reconstruction Surgeons and radiologists alongside international experts, creating a space where global evidence meets Indian clinical reality, and where cutting-edge advancements are translated into everyday decisions at the bedside.
The urgency behind that vision is hard to ignore. Breast cancer is now the leading cancer among Indian women, accounting for 27% of all female cancers and nearly 10% of cancer deaths in 2020. Nearly one in four patients is under 40, and aggressive subtypes like triple negative breast cancer make up 30% of Indian cases. With the economic burden projected to hit $13.96 billion by 2030, the need for faster, smarter, and more evidence-driven care has never been greater – and that is exactly what Apollo Athenaa's conclave is here to drive. (Source Link)
Yet despite this momentum, a stark treatment gap remains. In Western countries, nearly 70% of early-stage breast cancer patients undergo breast conservation surgery – in India, that number sits below 25%. Many women continue to receive routine mastectomy or full axillary clearance in situations where evidence now supports far less invasive approaches. Modern oncology has moved beyond “just survival” – the goal today is survival with quality of life. Closing this gap is at the heart of what Athenaa's conclave aims to achieve.[PP1] (Source Link)
Today, advances in high-resolution imaging, meticulous tumour cartography, neoadjuvant systemic therapy, and sophisticated oncoplastic reconstruction techniques are transforming breast cancer management. The Conclave will explore the readiness of axillary de-escalation, the optimal sequencing of systemic treatment in metastatic triple negative breast cancer, and how clinicians navigate the spectrum from conservation to reconstruction. Deliberations will also address imaging-led intent in multifocal disease, precision tumour mapping where imaging, pathology and treatment converge, and the importance of survivorship under the theme “Care After Cancer Matters.” Together, these discussions reflect a decisive move away from one-size-fits-all surgery toward personalised, multidisciplinary, evidence-driven care pathways.
Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairman, Apollo Hospitals, said, “At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, our focus is to accelerate the adoption of evidence-driven, precision oncology practices in India. By bringing together global expertise and multidisciplinary collaboration, we aim to ensure that every woman benefits from treatment decisions rooted in science, innovation and long-term wellbeing.”
Dr. Geeta Kadayaprath, Principal Lead, Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, said, “The management of breast cancer is entering an era of greater clarity, where decisions are increasingly guided by robust evidence rather than fear. With advances in imaging, tumour mapping and oncoplastic expertise, we can offer personalised treatment that ensures oncological safety while preserving quality of life.”
Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Principal Lead, Medical & Precision Oncology – Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, said, “Medical & Precision oncology today is no longer about a one-size-fits-all approach. With a deeper understanding of tumour biology and the growing role of targeted therapies, we can tailor systemic treatment to each patient's unique profile maximising efficacy while minimising harm. The future of breast cancer care lies in precision, and that future is already here.”
Dr. Jyoti Arora, Principal Lead, Women Imaging, Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, said, “Advanced imaging today using AI is not just diagnosing cancer – it is redefining how we treat it. With minimally invasive techniques such as cryoablation we can freeze and destroy the cancer in selected patient group without traditional surgery and with precise tumour mapping we can offer women less aggressive surgical options without compromising on safety or outcomes”
International experts participating in the pre-conclave dialogue emphasised that global evidence increasingly supports carefully selected surgical de-escalation without compromising cancer control. Collaborative forums always help translate these advances into everyday clinical practice, strengthening the adoption of personalised, evidence-led breast cancer care in India.
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