1 in 28 women likely to develop breast cancer

Hyderabad: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in India and accounts for 14 per cent of all cancers in women. Overall, 1 in 28 women is likely to develop breast cancer during her lifetime.

The incidence is high in urban areas, with 1 in 22 women likely to develop breast cancer during her lifetime as compared to rural areas where 1 in 60 women develops breast cancer in her lifetime.

"The cancer incidences have been on the rise over the past few years, as against 1,15,251 detected in 2008, 1,62,468 cases were found in 2018," says Dr T P S Bhandari, Sr. Consultant, Surgical Oncology & Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon, Apollo Cancer Institute. He was speaking at a talk organised at Public Gardens by Public Gardens Walkers Association.

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor – a tumor with the potential to invade other tissues or spread to other parts of the body. It starts in the cells of the breast and can occur both in men and women.

Breast Cancer has two types of risk factors. The non-modifiable risk factors are age, gender, genetic factors and family history of cancer. Risk factors which can be modified with lifestyle changes are obesity, pregnancy, lactation and avoiding alcohol consumption. However, having a risk factor is no indication of one definitely developing breast cancer.

Women are requested Breast Self-Examination (BSE) from the age of 30 years, every month immediately a week after the menses stops. Clinical breast examination (CBE) once in a year or 3 years by an oncologist / physician. Screening with a mammogram from the age of 40 years.

Treating early stage disease will improve chances of recovery significantly, in Stage 1 with up to 2 cm tumor, the survival is 100%, however in Stage 4 with the disease spreading to other organs, the survival scope is 22%.