Oncologists urge women to stay alert to early signs of Breast Cancer

my uttarakhand news Bureau 
Dehradun, 28 Oct: Doctors have expressed concern over the rising number of breast cancer cases in India, warning that timely detection can save lives and ensure better recovery.
Dr Shashank Bist, an oncologist at Doon Medical Hospital, said today that common warning signs of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or armpit (which may or may not be painful), abnormal discharge from the nipple, and any change in the size or shape of the breast.
He explained that while breast cancer is more common in women, men can also be affected. Age remains a major risk factor, and though it is mainly seen in older people, cases among younger women are also increasing. Having a family history of breast cancer increases the risk by two to three times.
Dr Bist added that around 10 to 15 percent of breast cancer cases are hereditary. Mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, and TP53 increase the chances of developing cancer, as these genes normally help repair DNA damage. When they mutate, they can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
He also mentioned that early menstruation, late menopause, not having children, hormone replacement therapy, obesity, smoking, alcohol intake, lack of physical activity, and high-fat, low-fibre diets are other major risk factors.
According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data, India ranks third globally in new breast cancer cases, with around 1.9 lakh new cases every year, and first in breast cancer-related deaths, with about one lakh deaths annually. ICMR data further shows that breast cancer cases are six times higher in urban areas compared to rural ones, largely due to lifestyle-related factors.
Dr Bist emphasised that early detection is crucial for successful treatment. “The earlier the disease is detected, the better the chances of recovery,” he said. The five-year survival rate for Stage 1 breast cancer is around 98 percent, but it falls to only 20 percent in Stage 4.
Health experts advise people to avoid alcohol and smoking, eat a balanced diet with low fat and high fibre, stay physically active, and avoid foods containing preservatives to reduce the risk of breast cancer.