Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Social stigma, delayed detection affecting fight against breast cancer

Hyderabad: Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October. This year the theme is ‘No one should face breast cancer alone’.

Several sensitization programs on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery are being held by several government and non-government organizations.

With over 178,000 new cases and with 28.2% of all female cancers being breast cancer, diagnosed annually, breast cancer has overtaken cervical cancer to become the most common cancer affecting Indian women, according to recent National Cancer Registry data.

Another myth, that breast cancer is highly prevalent among older women, has become a thing of the past since almost 48% of the women with breast cancer are below the age of 50.

Higher prevalence among urban women

The prevalence of breast cancer has been found higher in urban women in comparison with their rural counterparts. The number of occurrences in urban areas is 20 women per one lakh population, while in rural areas 6 women per one lakh are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Dr K C Goutham Reddy, senior consultant Oncologist, at Amor Hospitals, Hyderabad said, “Almost one in eight women are at the risk of breast cancer. Women should watch for any new lumps by self-breast examination frequently. All women above the age of 45 should undergo mammograms every year to detect cancer at an earlier stage”.

Delay in detection affecting treatment

Earlier detection can help in the treatment and recovery as the survival rates for breast cancer in India remain significantly lower than in developed nations, primarily due to delayed diagnosis.

As per a publication in the National Library of Medicine, more than 12 weeks of delay is being witnessed in the diagnosis and treatment of 23% of the patients. The lack of adequate testing facilities and infrastructure in rural, semi-urban areas are possible reason for this delay, which can adversely affect the diagnosis and treatment.

Cultural barriers and economic burden

Though there is a drastic improvement in awareness about breast cancer incidences, social stigma remains a significant obstacle in ensuring early diagnosis and treatment.

India is ranked at the top of the list in the highest number of estimated deaths due to breast cancer, with 98,337 deaths in the year 2022, as per a reply in the Lok Sabha during February 2024.

“Even as the incidence of breast cancer is increasing in both the rural and urban areas, awareness remains the key in the fight. This also has a huge economic burden and women are an important part of the family hierarchy in India, it has an impact on the families as well”, Dr Gouthan Reddy added.

Stay brave and explore treatment options

The psychological impact of being diagnosed with cancer is huge and detrimental since the fear and panic take a toll on the patient and their family members.

With breast cancer incidents increasing among women of younger age groups, more caution is warranted for early detection to avoid further complications. The average age of breast cancer has come down drastically from the 50 to 64 age group a decade ago.

“Obesity and hereditary issues have resulted in the increase in breast cancer cases among younger women. Besides early detection, being brave and never losing hope and exploring all possible treatments are crucial things to follow”, Dr Goutham Reddy added.