Awareness is the first step to early detection of Breast Cancer

New Delhi, December 12, 2019: There is spurt in incidence of breast cancer globally and also in India. Breast cancer is impacting 2.1 million women globally per annum and 1,62,468 new cases are being added in India every year. The deadly disease is responsible for at least 12% of all cancer deaths among women.

“Breast cancer incidence rate in India is on the increase especially in women in the early thirties,” leading Oncologist, Dr. Akash Kumar, Assistant Professor, Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar said in the spirit of raising awareness on breast cancer.

In 2018, India reported 87,090 breast cancer-related deaths among women. It has now become a major health concern across Indian cities. By 2030 Breast cancer will cause more deaths in Indian women than any other form of cancer.

The survival rates are high if detected at an early stage. In case of late detection however, the survival rates are low. Despite breast cancer being one of the most common cancers in women worldwide, knowledge and understanding on the causes of breast cancer is very limited. Several factors could be behind developing risk of breast cancer. It could depend on the combination of one’s genes and lifestyle choices.

“Almost 50% of the breast cancer patients won’t survive within 5 years of the diagnosis. Breast Cancer in India is a different from other countries, here it is affecting younger women and more than half of them suffer from cancer in advanced stages,” ­­­ Dr. Akash Kumar said.

In the national programme, under National Health Mission (NHM), for Prevention and Control of Cancer, diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), programmes for prevention, control and screening for common cancers i.e. oral, breast and cervical, are being implemented in more than 150 districts. The aim of the initiative is to not only help in early diagnosis but also generate awareness on risk factors of the diseases. Twenty-seven erstwhile Regional Cancer Centres in the country are providing comprehensive cancer treatment facilities and carrying out cancer prevention and research activities.

Dr. Akash Kumar, Assistant Professor, Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar said, “Breast cancer has now become a major health concern across Indian cities. For Breast cancer, from awareness to detection, from diagnosis to counseling and treatment, there is lack of attention at every stage. There is small chance of breast cancer being hereditary and that is independent to external factors. Helping women understand the significance of early diagnosis and speaking openly about it is critical to raise awareness against this deadly disease. Early diagnosis is key to prevent breast cancer.”

Lumps or thickenings in the breast shouldn’t be ignored and they need immediate medical attention. Early Symptoms of breast cancer may include pain in breast/breasts, discharge, remarkable change in shape and size, rash, flaky or crusty nipple and dimpling of the skin. Age, family history, genetics, dense breasts and race are the major risk factors for breast cancer.

Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)