‘Practice Body Awareness, Investigate Family History to Detect Breast Cancer’

Dr. Amit Upadhyay advises that while breast cancer screening typically begins at age 40, those with a family history of the disease should start five years earlier.

WHEN SHOULD YOU START GETTING SCREENED?

Hina Khan recently revealed she has Stage 3 breast cancer.

Early Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored:

• A lump in the breast or underarm
• Changes in the shape and size of the breast
• Recent onset of nipple inversion
• Changes in the color or texture of the breast skin
• Any lump in the armpit (axilla)

‘AGE IS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN BREAST CANCER DEVELOPMENT’

‘CANCER IN INDIAN WOMEN OCCURS TEN YEARS EARLIER THAN IN THE WEST’

Dr. Amit Upadhyay, Senior Consultant in Oncology & Hemato-Oncology at PSRI Hospital, suggests that women should undergo biennial mammography screenings between the ages of 40 and 50, and annually thereafter if they are at average risk. Women with a higher risk profile may benefit from earlier screenings. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate screening schedule based on individual risk factors and medical history. Early detection and personalized multidisciplinary management are crucial for effective breast cancer treatment, according to Dr. Ramesh Sarin.

Dr. Arun Kumar Goel, Chairman & Head of Surgical Oncology at Andromeda Cancer Hospital, emphasizes the importance of recognizing early symptoms such as lumps in the breast or underarm, changes in breast shape and size, recent nipple inversion, and changes in breast skin color or texture.

Dr. Ramesh Sarin, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, explains that the risk of breast cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in women over 55. However, breast cancer in younger women tends to be more aggressive and is often diagnosed at advanced stages. Early detection and screening are crucial for young women with a higher risk profile, such as those with a family history or genetic predisposition.

Dr. Divya Sehra, Consultant Gynecologic Oncology at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, shares that the median age of breast cancer diagnosis in India is 49 years, compared to 62 years in Western countries. The incidence of breast cancer varies widely within India, being higher in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai. This is mainly due to reproductive factors (late marriage, delayed childbearing, low rates of breastfeeding) and lifestyle factors (sedentary lifestyle, red meat-based diet, tobacco, and alcohol consumption).

A 2023 study based on data from 1.5 lakh screenings by Apollo Hospitals between 2018 and 2023 found that 25% of breast cancer cases among Indian women occurred at the age of 39 years or younger. The youngest recorded age at diagnosis was 23 years.

Research from ICMR and Tata Memorial indicates that in the last 10-15 years, breast cancer in Indian women occurs ten years earlier than in their Western counterparts. For women under 40 years of age, the incidence is double that of the West. This trend is attributed to various factors, including genetics, family history, and lifestyle choices, points out Dr. Ramesh Sarin.