Breast cancer rate on the rise in young women

The annual risk of women developing breast cancer has been going up in the State steadily since early 90s and unfortunately, it is the women in the younger age group — less than 35 years — who seem to be the most susceptible.The number of new patients who registered for breast cancer treatment at the Regional Cancer Centre here in 2008 was 1,600. In 2007, this figure was 1,200. And shockingly, about 20 per cent of these cases were women who were below 35 years.The annual incidence rate of breast cancer in Kerala is 31 per one lakh population, which is on par with the national average.The International Breast Cancer Awareness day is observed on October 18. Oncologists have one message to convey to women — regular self examination of the breasts is one of the most simple and effective methods for the early detection of breast cancer, which is completely curable if picked up early. Regular self examination and screening tests like mammography is something that women in the 30 plus group should necessarily adopt, for facilitating early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Even though the awareness about the importance of self examination for the early detection of breast cancer has gone up, doctors at the RCC seldom saw patients in the early stages, Beela Mathew, Additional Professor of Radiation Oncology at RCC, said.The RCC is observing October as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month,’ and a special screening clinic for women above 30 will function here for the whole month.The clinic has screened about 200 women so far and two cases of breast cancer were newly detected, Dr. Mathew said.The RCC plans to make the breast cancer screening clinic a regular feature, depending on the demand for screening.According to a study report by the World Cancer Research Fund and American Cancer Research Institute released in 2007, there is enough evidence to believe that body fat plays a crucial role in the development of breast cancer.The report suggested that maintaining a healthy weight and breast feeding at least up to six months are protective against breast cancer.

The Hindu, 17th October 2009