Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for 14% of all female cancers. In 2020, around 178,000 new cases were reported, with about 90,000 deaths. Urban areas see higher incidence rates compared to rural regions, primarily due to lifestyle changes. Early detection remains a significant challenge, with many cases diagnosed at later stages, contributing to lower survival rates compared to Western countries. Factors like limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, and inadequate access to treatment facilities worsen outcomes. To reduce mortality, increasing screening, improving public awareness, and enhancing healthcare infrastructure are essential steps. Hereditary factors play a role in 5-10% of breast cancer cases, most often linked to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Women carrying these mutations have a considerably higher risk of developing breast cancer. A family history of breast, ovarian, or other cancers further increases the risk of hereditary breast cancer. Regular screening is a critical tool in reducing breast cancer mortality, as early detection dramatically improves survival rates. Mammograms, self-exams, and clinical breast exams are essential in catching breast cancer early when it is most treatable, particularly for women over 40 or those with a family history of the disease.
Breast cancer treatment in India follows a multidisciplinary approach. After diagnosis through imaging and biopsy, treatment is tailored based on the cancer's stage. For early-stage cancers, surgery—such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy—is often the first step, followed by radiation therapy. In more advanced (locally) cases, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or hormonal therapy may be administered before surgery to shrink the tumor. Post-surgery, additional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy help prevent recurrence. A particularly challenging type of breast cancer, Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), is treated with a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Treatment plans depend on the type of tumor, the patient’s overall health, and access to medical facilities. Personalized treatment protocols and clinical trials are increasingly available, especially in urban centers.
