Worrisome trend: Breast cancer cases in younger women doubled in 5 years

Worrisome trend: Breast cancer cases in younger women doubled in 5 years

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Yashaswini.Sri@timesofindia.com 21.10.2024

Bengaluru : Karnataka is one of the four states in the country experiencing a significantly higher incidence of female breast cancer (BC), according to a recently published study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR). Bengaluru hospitals confirmed seeing a worrying 100% rise in BC cases in the last five years in women aged 20-40, underscoring the growing public health challenge in the city. According to the ICMRNCDIR study, female breast cancer is now the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality in India, accounting for 13.5% of new cancer cases and 10.6% of all cancer-related deaths. Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Telangana are the three other states with a comparatively high burden of BC. Dr Krithikaa Sekar, con sultant, radiation oncology, HCG Cancer Center, told TOI that the hospital sees around 50 new BC patients aged less than 40 years per month, up from 30 five years earlier. 

“Although about 10% of breast cancers are genetic, lifestyle factors such as shared dietary habits and inactivity in families play a more significant role in risk than genes. Breast cancer incidence is rising, not only due to better reporting but also because of lifestyle changes. While breast cancer most commonly affects women aged 40-60, younger women under 40 are increasingly being diagnosed.” Dr Sekar said. Dr Bharath G, consultant, surgical oncology, Fortis Hospital, said they see 20-25 BC cases a month in women in the age group 20-40 years, up from 10 five years ago. “Factors like hormonal therapy for infertility and postmenopausal treatments are increasing breast cancer risks. Additionally, lifestyle changes—such as delayed childbirth, reduced breastfeeding, sedentary habits, obesity, and poor diet—are contributing to a rise in breast cancer cases among younger women.

In India, many patients are now being diagnosed with BC before age 50, suggesting genetic and lifestyle factors at play.” Doctors say women should begin self-breast examinations at age 21 to identify abnormalities early. Starting at the age of 40, annual screenings, ultrasound, and mammograms are essential for early detection even before a lump forms, they say. Cytecare Hospital said they see 50 BC cases per month in women aged less than 40 years, up from 25 cases five years back. While breast cancer screening exists, the number of cases detected remains small, says Dr Poovamma CU, senior consultant and director of breast oncology at Cytecare Hospital. “Most diagnoses occur when patients present with symptoms, meaning cancers are often caught at later stages. In fact, stage one breast cancer is rare here, with stage two, three, and even stage four being more common. The prevalence of stage four cases in India may be higher than in Western countries. This highlights the silent nature of breast cancer, as many women delay diagnosis because they don’t experience pain or visible symptoms,” she says.