Breast Cancer in India Predicted to Reach Over 2.3 Lakh: A study predicts over 2.3 lakh breast cancer cases by 2025.The National Cancer Registry Program study predicts over 2.3 lakh breast cancer cases in India by 2025. In 2020, over 76,000 women died from the disease, affecting 200,000+ women. The WHO says this caused over 600,000 deaths globally. In Delhi, 30% of cases were found in women under 40, per AIIMS study.
Experts mostly blame people’s lifestyles for this trend. Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Vice-Chairperson and Head of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Paras Health in Gurugram, stated that lifestyle choices contribute to most breast cancer cases, with only 10% being hereditary. Dr. Peush Bajpai from HCMCT Manipal Hospitals in Dwarka stated that the increase is due to more people adopting a Western lifestyle, including obesity, stress, smoking, and unhealthy eating habits.
The study highlights India’s uniqueness compared to the world. Most Westerners discover breast cancer in their 60s. The average age of detection in India is about 49. Dr. Wadhwa also noted that breast cancer in younger women is typically more severe, with a higher grade and often triple-negative, leading to a worse outcome.
In 2015, 35 out of 100,000 women had breast cancer. The number increased to 3,611 in 2022, a 34.9% rise. The data highlights the need to address healthcare issues. To detect issues early, regular tests and self-breast checks are crucial. Dr. Rajeev Agarwal from Medanta Gurugram’s Cancer Institute emphasized the significant impact of early cancer detection on patient outcomes. He mentioned various signs of breast cancer, including lumps, size and shape changes, nipple discharge, and breast pain. Dr. Bajpai advises women to promptly consult a doctor if they discover a painless lump, particularly if they are 40 or above. This may indicate an issue.
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Many rural people are unaware of important information, a significant problem. About 66% of patients are in advanced disease stages, making treatment more challenging. Dr. Bajpai said cancer signs vary with its spread. In India, people often discover cancer at a more advanced stage. Doctors suggest lifestyle changes to reduce breast cancer risk.
Dr. Agarwal advises moderation in alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, avoiding hormonal therapies or birth control, breastfeeding if possible, not smoking, and eating a balanced diet. The numbers indicate a looming healthcare problem. The doctors aim to fix it with strong steps. They want to spread the word and monitor individuals, particularly women aged 18 or above. Most Indian women die from breast cancer. Cases and deaths are increasing, so we must promptly address the issue.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is the latest statistics of breast cancer in India?
Breast cancer is the leading cancer for women in India, with an age-adjusted rate of 25.8 per 100,000 women and a mortality rate of 12.7 per 100,000 women. The latest national cancer registries were analyzed to compare the data on the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer.
What is the probability of breast cancer in India?
Urban Indian women have a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer, with 1 in 22 affected, compared to 1 in 60 for women in rural areas. Overall, 1 in 28 women in India is at risk of getting breast cancer at some point in their lives.
Is breast cancer in India compared to the US?
The likelihood of being diagnosed with female breast cancer by age 75 is 3% in India, 4% in Zimbabwe, 5% in Colombia, 9% in the US, 10% in the UK, and 5% worldwide. Women in high-income countries have up to three times higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those in low-income countries.
What is the cancer prediction in India?
AIIMS projects that India will experience a significant increase in cancer instances, potentially reaching 2 million cases annually by 2026, according to data sourced from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).