Breast cancer on rise

The incidence of breast cancer worldwide is on the rise. It has replaced cervical cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in India, while deaths due to lung cancer topped the list for men. According to a report by Globocan, in India, in the year 2012, there were about 2,32,000 breast cancer cases reported in the US, whereas in India, 1,45,000 new cases were diagnosed.

The breast cancer burden in India has almost reached about 2/3rd of that of the US and is steadily rising. While a number of reports might show the same alarming numbers, what is important at the moment is to not only assess the situation, but also use this assessment and decide on a plan which can help in bringing down this situation to a great level.

The reasons for the high mortality rate can be linked to the lack of awareness among the patients themselves regarding their health that patients often realise about it only at a later stage. Thus, no matter how good the treatment it, the mortality rates are still high, mainly because of the lack of awareness, shyness on part of patients, social stigma, ignorance of doctors (patients present on time, but doctors are not aware and they delay treatment), and many other causes.

While India has fallen back in terms of waking up to reality and acting upon the need of the hour, persistent efforts can help in reducing the mortality rates in a span of at least 20 years. One step towards a big move makes a bigger difference.