Breast Cancer Awareness: Know, Check, Act

Every October, the world turns pink to remind us of one simple truth: Breast cancer detected early is highly treatable and chances of cure are improved. Yet in India, around two-thirds of women still discover it late: either out of fear, shame or simple lack of information. One question that keeps pounding in every treating doctor’s mind is, why do Indian women fear the word ‘Cancer’ when they should be the one openly discussing their complaints and knowing their treatment. The answer probably is lack of courage and knowledge.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast grow abnormally and uncontrollably, usually in the milk ducts or the lobules that produce milk. These cells can form a lump and, if untreated, may spread to other parts of the body. Although it is far more common in women, men can also develop it.

How Common Is It in India?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women. India recorded 192,020 new cases and 98,337 deaths in 2022, the highest number of breast cancer deaths of any country. That is nearly one death for every two new cases, largely because many women are diagnosed late. Urban women face a higher risk than rural women, which experts link to later marriage and childbirth, fewer children, less breastfeeding, obesity and inactivity.

North India mirrors the national picture. Delhi’s cancer registry found breast cancer was the leading cancer in women in 2012, with 2,744 cases (28.6% of all female cancers), an age-standardised rate of 41.0 per 100,000 and a median age of 50. It overtook cervical cancer over the years, having ranked second in 1988. In Punjab and Chandigarh, breast cancer is the commonest cancer in women in the urban registries of Chandigarh and SAS Nagar, and its incidence there is 4 to 5 times higher than in rural Mansa and Sangrur. Many women reach hospital late.

These are National Cancer Registry Programme estimates of absolute numbers, so populous states rank higher. They are not risk rates.

Why Screening Matters

Screening means looking for cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is simplest, least costly and most successful. There are three main tools:

• Breast self-awareness: Know how your breasts normally look and feel, and see a doctor promptly about any change. Monthly self-examination a few days after your period ends is a good habit.
• Clinical breast examination: A trained doctor or health worker examines the breasts. It is simple, painless and available at many government health centres.
• Mammography: A low-dose X-ray that can detect tumours too small to feel. Most guidelines advise discussing regular mammograms with your doctor from around age 40 to 45, and earlier if there is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

See a doctor without delay if you notice: a new lump in the breast or armpit, change in size or shape, skin dimpling or redness, nipple pulling inward, nipple discharge (especially bloody), or persistent pain in one area.

Myths and Facts

Myth 1: Only women with a family history get breast cancer. Fact: Most women diagnosed have no family history at all. Being a woman and growing older are the biggest risk factors. Family history raises risk but its absence offers no guarantee.

Myth 2: Every breast lump is cancer. Fact: Most breast lumps are benign, such as cysts or fibroadenomas. But only a doctor’s examination and tests can tell the difference, so never ignore a lump out of fear or assume it is harmless.

Myth 3: Wearing a tight or underwired bra causes breast cancer. Fact: There is no scientific evidence linking bras to breast cancer. Deodorants and antiperspirants have likewise not been shown to cause it.

Myth 4: Mammograms are dangerous or spread cancer. Fact: The radiation dose is very low, and the benefit of catching cancer early far outweighs the risk. Pressing the breast during the test cannot spread cancer.

Myth 5: Breast cancer is a death sentence. Fact: When detected early, the five-year survival rate is above 90 percent in many settings. Modern surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal and targeted therapies have made survival and a normal life possible for millions.

Myth 6: Men do not get breast cancer. Fact: Though rare, men have breast tissue too and can be affected. A lump in a man’s chest deserves the same prompt attention.

Reducing Your Risk

You cannot control age or genes, but healthy habits help: maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, limit alcohol, avoid smoking, breastfeed if possible, and eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruit.

The Bottom Line

Breast cancer is common, but it is not unbeatable. Know your breasts, get screened on schedule, and speak up about changes. Encourage the women in your life, mothers, sisters, wives and friends, to do the same. Silence and delay are the real enemies. Awareness, early detection and timely treatment save lives.

Sources

• World Cancer Research Fund, breast cancer statistics (GLOBOCAN 2022)
• Mehrotra and Yadav, Breast cancer in India (GLOBOCAN 2020)
• IARC GLOBOCAN 2024, India fact sheet
• Descriptive epidemiology of female breast cancer in Delhi
• Cancer in Punjab and Chandigarh registries, Int J Noncommunicable Diseases 2017
• State-wise estimated incidence, NCRP via Dataful