Television actor Hina Khan has disclosed a diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer, bringing attention to the rising prevalence of the disease in India. The 36-year-old actor shared on Instagram that her treatment has already commenced. Despite the challenging diagnosis, Khan assured her fans that she is strong, determined, and committed to overcoming the disease.
Breast cancer is a disease characterized by the development of cancerous cells in the breast tissues. It can affect both men and women, often originating in the lining of the milk ducts or lobules. If treatment is delayed, it can spread to other parts of the body. Common symptoms include a lump in the breast or underarms, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge, and persistent pain in the breast area.
According to the Cancer journal, India has the highest incidence of breast cancer among women. A report by Down to Earth, citing the latest figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO), revealed that breast cancer accounts for 13.6 per cent of all cancer cases and over 26 per cent of cases in women, with an alarming estimated 192,020 new cases annually. Globally, female breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer, with an estimated 2.3 million cases worldwide.
The Cancer Journal highlights a disturbing trend over the past 26 years in India, with an increase of 39.1 per cent in the age-standardized incidence rate of female breast cancer from 1990 to 2016. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), WHO’s cancer agency, reports that breast cancer was responsible for the highest percentage of cancer-related deaths in India in 2022, accounting for 98,337 deaths (13.7 per cent), followed by oral cancer (79,979 – 5.6 per cent) and cervical cancer (79,906 – 11.2 per cent).
A concerning shift in recent years has been the increased prevalence of breast cancer in younger women. The majority of cases now occur in women under 40. A study published in the Journal of Global Oncology attributes this rise to lifestyle factors such as delaying childbirth, adopting a higher-fat diet, and leading a more sedentary lifestyle. The study emphasizes that younger women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms of breast cancer, which grow rapidly and require more rigorous treatment.
Women with a family history of breast cancer, particularly those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, are at higher risk. Dr Rohan Khandelwal of CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram explains that unchecked cell growth in the breast tissue is the root cause of breast cancer.
Dr Mandar Nadkarni of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital points to societal and work pressures that delay marriage and childbirth among women, impacting breastfeeding practices and increasing the risk of breast cancer. She emphasizes that genetics play a role in less than 10 per cent of breast cancer cases.
Dr Isabelle Soerjomataram, deputy head of the cancer surveillance branch at IARC, notes that women in low Human Development Index (HDI) countries are 50 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women in high HDI countries. However, they face a significantly higher risk of death from the disease due to late diagnosis and inadequate access to quality treatment.
Dr Minnish Jain of Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune highlights the role of rising rates of obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and insufficient breastfeeding as contributing factors to the increasing number of breast cancer cases. He suggests that an unhealthy lifestyle and excessive weight gain are two major risk factors for breast cancer after menopause. He recommends reducing ultra-processed foods, unhealthy fats, and high-sugar goods.
Dr CS Pramesh, Director at Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital, emphasizes the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle as the most effective preventive measure. He recommends avoiding tobacco in all forms, limiting alcohol consumption, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and preventing infections.
Dr Arun Kumar Goel, Chairperson of Surgical Oncology at Andromeda Cancer Hospital in Sonipat, states that while the exact cause of breast cancer is still unknown, research has identified several risk factors. He explains that a combination of lifestyle, hormonal, and hereditary factors can increase an individual’s risk. He emphasizes the role of hormone exposure, particularly progesterone and estrogen, and a family history of breast cancer as significant contributors. Other factors include age (risk increases after 55), dense breast tissue, and exposure to radiation.
The rising prevalence of breast cancer in India underscores the need for increased awareness, early detection, and access to quality treatment. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing this disease.
