Breast Cancer: Experts Speak On The Rising Trend Of The Disease Among Young Women

Breast cancer is a global concern with nearly 2.3 million cases diagnosed worldwide, resulting in 685,000 deaths annually. In India, breast cancer comprises 27.7% of all new cancer cases in women, with one woman diagnosed every 4 minutes and one death occurring every 8 minutes. Lifestyle factors, genetic mutations, and delayed motherhood contribute to increased risk, emphasizing the importance of prevention measures.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer across the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that there were nearly 2.3 million cases of breast cancer diagnosed across the world. Also, 6,85, 000 deaths were reported globally. In India, 27.7% of all new cancers detected in women in 2018 were breast cancers, according to Breast Cancer India.

The report also states that one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, in India, every 4 minutes. One woman dies of Breast cancer, in India, every 8 minutes. It is important to understand the risk factors of the condition and take the necessary steps that can help prevent the disease.
Dr Anupama Mane, Consultant Breast Surgeon at Ruby Hall Clinic Pune said that in the western countries breast cancer usually occurs more in the elderly population, however, in India, it occurs more commonly in at least a decade younger women.

This is attributed to genetic factors like BRCA 1 and 2 mutations or lifestyle factors like obesity, Sedentary habits, junk food diet, not having children, not breastfeeding etc. All the lifestyle changes due to rapid urbanization are predisposing factors for the increase in breast cancer in younger women in India,” said Dr Mane.

Speaking of the prevalence of the disease, she says that 1 in 28 women in India are likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Studies suggest 25-30% of breast cancer cases in India are diagnosed in women under 40, compared to around 15% globally.
Adding to it, Dr Reshma Puranik, Consultant medical oncologist and hemato-oncologist, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune said postponing motherhood until after 35, coupled with reduced breastfeeding due to busy schedules, elevates breast cancer risk. Additionally, habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to this risk. Sedentary lifestyles, exacerbated by high stress levels and lack of exercise, further escalate the likelihood of breast cancer in young women.
Dr Aravind Badiger Technical Director BDR Pharmaceuticals speaks from an pharmaceutical perspective. He said, “There has been a concerning trend of breast cancer diagnosis among younger age groups, mighlighting the urgent need for comprehensive interventions tailored to the Indian population.

‘From an Indian pharmaceutical perspective, it is imperative to recognize the unique challenges and Opportunities in combating breast cancer. While survival rates have shown improvement globally, disparities in access to healthcare and treatment remain prevalent in India. Therefore, there is a pressing meed for the pharmaceutical industry to develop affordable and accessible therapies that cater to the Specific needs of Indian patients.”

Dr Badiger also shares that addressing the care gap goes beyond medical interventions and necessitates a holistic approach. This involves raising awareness about breast cancer risk factors, promoting early detection through screening programs, and providing psychosocial support to patients and their families.
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