Breast cancer is an uncontrolled proliferation of epithelial or glandular tissue of the breast. In Ayurveda it is understood as Stana Arbuda (malignant breast tumour) or Stana Granthi (benign lump that may progress). It arises due to Kapha–Meda–Rakta dushti with Vata anubandha, manifesting as a hard, immovable lump with or without pain, nipple discharge, ulceration or metastasis.

"मांसशोणितकफप्रकोपेन स्तनेऽर्बुदं भवेत्।"
(सुश्रुत संहिता, चिकित्सा १८/४)

Classical texts describe Arbuda as a firm, immovable, non-suppurative swelling caused by tridoṣa imbalance, especially Kapha + Meda. When localized in Stana, it is called Stana Arbuda. Stana Granthi represents earlier benign changes. Sushruta mentions Asadhya nature if associated with rapid growth, pain, ulceration, and systemic spread. Modern breast cancer arises from genetic mutations (BRCA1/2, HER2, p53) and environmental triggers (hormonal, dietary, carcinogenic exposures).

• Ati-snigdha, guru, abhishyandi ahara — promote Kapha–Meda accumulation.

  "गुरुस्निग्धाभ्यवहारात् कफो वर्धते।"
  (चरक सूत्रस्थान २१)

• Ati-madhura, dugdha, ghrita-sevana in excess causes Meda vriddhi.
• Viruddha ahara — e.g., fish + milk, sour + milk combinations.
• Madyapana, ati-aharasevana — weakens agni, produces ama and rakta dushti.

• Avyayama & Diwaswapna — sedentary lifestyle increases Kapha-Meda.
• Ativyayama — excessive strain depletes dhatus and aggravates Vata.
• Stanya-vyapad / Garbhavastha dushti — faulty lactation, pregnancy-related imbalances mentioned in Kashyapa Samhita.
• Exposure to visha / radiation / environmental toxins — modern causes paralleling Ayurvedic visha nidana.
• Manasika hetu: Chinta, krodha, shoka — cause ojas kshaya and immune suppression.

Nidana sevana → Kapha, Meda, Rakta dushti → srotorodha in stana marma → granthi formation. Progressive dhatu dushti + Vata aggravation → firm immovable lump (arbuda). Pitta association → inflammation, pain, ulceration. Ojas kshaya leads to systemic spread (metastasis). Modern: mutations in BRCA1/2, HER2 amplification, estrogen dominance → uncontrolled proliferation → carcinoma.

"स्थिरं चिरवर्धमानं चावेदनीयं च यद् अर्बुदं"
(सुश्रुत संहिता, चिकित्सा १८/३)

Classical: clinical signs of hard immovable lump, non-suppurative swelling, systemic features. Modern: Mammography, Ultrasound, Biopsy (FNAC/core biopsy), Histopathology, ER/PR/HER2 receptor testing, MRI for staging.

• Heaviness in breast
• Localized pain or discomfort
• Nipple retraction or mild discharge
• Lump felt occasionally but not prominent
• Fatigue, loss of appetite

• Breast lump (hard, immovable)
• Nipple retraction
• Nipple discharge (bloody/serous)
• Skin dimpling (peau d’orange)
• Ulceration of breast skin
• Pain or tenderness in lump
• Axillary lymphadenopathy
• Weight loss and anorexia
• Fever or secondary infection
• Metastatic bone or lung pain

• Hard immovable breast lump
• Change in breast contour
• Nipple discharge — blood/serous
• Skin dimpling, peau d’orange
• Ulceration in advanced cases
• Axillary lymph node enlargement

"स्थिरं पिडकं यद् अस्ति स्तने तद् अर्बुदं स्मृतम्"
(भवप्रकाश, अर्बुद प्रकरण)

• Kaphaja Stana Arbuda — slow, firm, painless lump.
• Pittaja — inflamed, painful, ulcerated lump.
• Vataja — irregular, hard, painful, rapid progression.
• Modern types: Ductal carcinoma, Lobular carcinoma, Inflammatory breast cancer, Triple-negative breast cancer.

• Metastasis (bone, liver, lung, brain)
• Cachexia
• Severe pain
• Secondary infections, ulceration

Early (stage I–II, non-metastatic) may be managed (sadhya/krichra-sadhya). Stage III–IV metastatic with systemic spread considered asadhya; focus on palliative, rasayana, and quality of life.

• Principles: Kapha-Meda shamana, Rakta shodhana, srotoshodhana, rasayana, arbuda chikitsa.
• Panchakarma:
  • Virechana — for Pitta-Rakta dushti.
  • Raktamokshana (localized, if inflamed).
  • Basti — especially Lekhana & Rasayana bastis.
• Herbal medicines:
  • Kanchanara Guggulu, Triphala Guggulu
  • Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Shatavari
  • Rasayana: Suvarna prashana, Chyawanprash
  • Classical: Arogya vardhini vati, Stanyashodhana yogas (Bhaishajya Ratnavali)
• External therapies: Abhyanga with lekhana oils, stana pichu, local lepa (lodhra, daruharidra, manjishta).
• Modern integrative: Surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy), Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Hormone therapy (Tamoxifen, Aromatase inhibitors), Targeted therapy (HER2 inhibitors).
• Pathya: Laghu, tikta–katu ahara, green vegetables, turmeric milk, pomegranate.
• Apathya: Heavy fried foods, excessive dairy, smoking, alcohol.
• Yoga & Lifestyle:
  • Pranayama: Anuloma-viloma, Bhramari, Chandrabhedi
  • Asanas: Gomukhasana, Matsyasana, Bhujangasana
  • Mudra: Hridaya mudra, Prana mudra
  • Mantra: Mahamrityunjaya, Durga Saptashloki recitation

• Laghu, ushna, tikta–katu ahara
• Vegetables, fruits (pomegranate, amla)
• Daily pranayama

• Snigdha, guru ahara
• Day-sleep
• Alcohol, smoking

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally. Risk factors: genetic (BRCA mutations), early menarche, late menopause, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, radiation. Diagnosis: mammography, biopsy, receptor status. Management: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy. Ayurveda focuses on Stana Arbuda chikitsa: Kapha-Meda-Rakta shamana, rasayana, and holistic lifestyle interventions.

• Mammography
• Ultrasound
• FNAC/core biopsy
• Histopathology
• ER/PR/HER2 receptor testing
• CT/MRI/PET for staging