Breast Cancer Among Top 3 Cancers in Indian Women, Says ICMR Study; How To Prevent It

Breast cancer is among the top three types of cancer that affects women in India, a new study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR says. The research has also looked at the biggest factors behind this dreaded disease. The study, based on a review of 30 other studies, included 27,925 participants, of which 45 per cent were women diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the study, reproductive timing, hormonal exposure, central obesity, and family history influence breast cancer risk primarily among Indian women. “Women with late menopause (more than 50 years), first pregnancy after 30 years of age, higher age at marriage, multiple abortions, and central obesity (with waist-to-hip ratio more than 85 cm) are at significant

risk,” the researchers, who belonged to the ICMR's National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), Bengaluru, wrote. Women over the age of 50 were three times more likely to have breast cancer, while women in the age group of 35-50 were 1.63 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.

What causes breast cancer in Indian women?

Breast cancer in Indian women is driven by a mix of changing urban lifestyles, which includes sedentary habits, obesity, poor diet, alcohol, and smoking, apart from hormonal factors. Early menopause, late menopause, fewer pregnancies, late first childbirth, genetics such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, dense breast tissue, and environmental factors, along with rising awareness, also increase detection rates. Doctors say the shift towards Westernized living significantly impacts risk, making lifestyle changes crucial for prevention. Also, since there is an extremely high percentage of women suffering from abdominal obesity, it is one of the reasons for the rise in breast cancer. Low BMI is also described as a potential cause behind this condition.

Common early symptoms of breast cancer

Early detection of breast cancer starts with recognising subtle changes in your breasts. While some signs are easily noticeable, others can be so mild that they are often overlooked. Being aware of these common early symptoms can help you seek timely medical attention.

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
• Noticeable change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
• Skin dimpling, puckering, or redness on the breast
• Nipple discharge

A few less common but important symptoms include:

• Pain in the breast or nipple area
• Swelling in a portion of the breast
• Rash, scaling, or irritation around the nipple

Ways to prevent breast cancer

According to doctors, even though not all cases of breast cancer can be prevented, adopting healthy habits can lower your risk and help detect the disease early. Simple lifestyle changes and regular check-ups play a key role in keeping your breasts healthy and ensuring timely intervention if any changes occur.

• Maintain a healthy weight with balanced nutrition
• Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking
• Exercise regularly to improve immunity and hormonal balance
• Conduct regular self-examinations and attend clinical screenings