Chennai Sees Alarming Rise in Breast Cancer Cases In a Decade; Doctors Stress Early Detection

A worrying health trend is emerging in Chennai, where breast cancer cases have nearly doubled over the past decade. According to the Madras Metropolitan Tumor Registry, this sharp rise reflects a pattern that has been steadily building for more than 20 years. Experts warn that without timely intervention, the burden of breast cancer could continue to grow across urban India. Breast cancer has now become the most common cancer among women in Chennai, surpassing cervical cancer, which once held the top position. This shift marks a significant change in women’s health trends in the city. Doctors attribute this rise not only to better detection but also to evolving lifestyles and environmental factors that increase cancer risk. “Until a decade ago,

cervical cancer was the leading cancer among women in the city. Today, that has changed. Breast cancer, once second on the list, has moved to the top,” Dr. Balaji Ramani, Director, Surgical Oncologist, Gleneagles Hospital, told Times Now Health.Also read: Rubina Dilaik Reveals Why She Quit Alcohol: “Could Not Sleep at Night” - Shocking Impact on Mental Health & SleepAccording to statistics, the Age-Adjusted Rate (AAR) of breast cancer in Chennai is reported as high as 37.9 per 100,000 women or 33.9 per 100,000 in many reports. Breast cancer accounts for approximately 30.7 per cent of all cancer cases among women in Chennai - making it the leading cancer among women in the city.

Urban lifestyle driving the surge

Dr. Balaji points to a combination of lifestyle and biological factors behind the increase in cases. Rapid urbanisation has transformed daily habits, leading to:

• Sedentary lifestyles with minimal physical activity
• Increased consumption of high-fat, processed foods
• Rising obesity rates
• Chronic stress
• Smoking and alcohol consumption in many cases

Obesity, in particular, is a major concern, as it disrupts hormonal balance, one of the key contributors to breast cancer development. These modern lifestyle patterns are significantly elevating the risk among urban women. “Obesity has a big impact on hormonal balance, which plays a key role in breast cancer development,” said Dr. Balaji.

Improved awareness and early detection

While the rise in cases is concerning, there is a positive shift in how the disease is being diagnosed. In the past, many women sought medical help only at advanced stages. Dr. Balaji says more women today are proactively opting for screenings and consultations. Increased awareness, better access to healthcare facilities, and the growing use of diagnostic tools like mammograms have made early detection more common. This change is crucial, as early-stage breast cancer is highly treatable.

The importance of regular screening

Doctors emphasise that regular screening remains the most effective way to combat breast cancer. According to experts, approximately one in every 28 women in India is at risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime. Women aged 35 and above are advised to begin routine screenings, including annual mammograms. For women over 40, yearly mammograms are strongly recommended—even in the absence of symptoms. “We have witnessed that one in every 28 women in India is likely to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. So, we insist the women above or near the age of 35 should get a mammogram once a year, as the cure rates in the early detection is 99 per cent,” he added.

A call for preventive action

The rising number of breast cancer cases in Chennai reflects changing times, marked by urban lifestyles, improved detection methods, and increased health awareness. While the statistics are alarming, they also highlight an opportunity: early action can make a significant difference. Experts urge women to prioritise their health by maintaining a balanced lifestyle, managing weight, staying physically active, and undergoing regular screenings. With the right approach, breast cancer can be detected early and treated effectively. In a rapidly evolving urban landscape, awareness and prevention remain the strongest tools in the fight against breast cancer.