Why Breast Cancer Cases Are On The Rise Amongst Urban Women - Expert Weighs In | Exclusive

Hina Khan recently shared that she has been diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. The actress has already begun treatment for it. In a statement shared on social media, the 39-year-old actress, best known for her roles in TV shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Kasautii Zindagii Kay, added that she is determined to conquer the illness and come out as a survivor. Hina’s news has raised concern about the prevalence of breast cancer in women, especially in India.

Breast cancer cases in India and the world: An overview

A report in Cancer Journal suggested that breast cancer is the most commonly found type of cancer in Indian women. It comprises of 28.2% of cancer cases in females in the country. As per ACS journal, "Breast cancer deaths in the Southeast Asia region are expected to increase to 61.7% by 2040." As per data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, "India ranks highest in number of estimated breast cancer deaths (98,337) for the year 2022 among females."

Furthermore, according to a report published by WHO in March 2024, Approximately 99% of breast cancer cases occur in women and 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men. Breast cancer was the most commonly found type of cancer in women in 157 countries out of 185 in 2022.

What is breast cancer and can it be treated?

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumour. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body, making early detection crucial. As per Dr Poonam Patil, Medical Oncology, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Bengaluru, symptoms of the condition include:

- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Redness or scaliness of the skin
- Nipple discharge or change in nipple position

Stage III breast cancer, which actress Hina Khan has revealed to be suffering from, is not fatal but survival rates vary from person to person and depend on various factors such as type and grade of cancer, receptor status, type of therapy and response to the same and individual choices.

As per Dr Patil, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy depending on the type of breast cancer are used as applicable for Stage III breast cancer.

What has led to the increase in breast cancer cases in India?

Talking about the the alarming rate of rise in breast cancer cases in young women in India Dr N Sapna Lulla, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster CMI, Bengaluru, said that the increase of work pressure on young women is one of the contributing reasons. She also shared that women who delay their menstrual cycle by taking oral contraceptives are also at a high risk of breast cancer. She added that delay in childbirth and other biological factors linked with PCOS also contribute to aggravating the risks.

As per Dr Lulla, some lifestyle factors also aggravate the risk of breast cancer. She shared that intake of junk or fast food and leading a sedentary lifestyle can also put women at a high risk of breast cancer. She particularly warned against dietary practices that restrict an individual from the intake of some substances like sugar. Dr Lulla advised against completely cutting down on sugar in diet and other ingredients linked to weight loss as they can have a detrimental effect on health in the future.

Furthermore, Dr Rajashekar C Jaka, Consultant - Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Jayanagar and Malleshwaram, Bengaluru also suggests changes in lifestyle factors like urbanisation, obesity by increasing oestrogen levels, sedentary lifestyle with minimal physical activity, smoking, alcohol, intake, increased age of marriage, and increase in age of 1st childbirth also put women at a higher risk of breast cancer.

Lifestyle tips to reduce the risk of breast cancer

Dr Poonam PatiI recommends individuals to stop smoking, reduce consumption of alcohol, remain physically active with optimum weight and avoid obesity. Breast feed if possible and the diet should be rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. If there is a family history, it is advised to get yourself checked for inherited risk factors.