Why in News?

According to a recent study the number of breast cancer cases in India is projected to rise by 50,000 annually this decade, with the economic burden estimated to an average $19.55 billion per year.

• Breast Cancer - Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB).
• It happens when cancerous cells in your breasts multiply and become tumors.
• About 80% of breast cancer cases are invasive, meaning a tumor may spread from your breast to other areas of your body.

• Symptoms – Lumps, Skin changes, Nipple changes, Nipple discharge, Pain and others.
• Complications - The most significant complication is metastatic breast cancer, spreads to other areas of your body, including your brain, bones, liver and lungs.
• Treatment – Breast cancer is treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy.

Study Findings

• Cancer rate - Cancer is now reported as the 5^th-leading cause of death in India (5.7% of all deaths), as per the Medical Certification of Cause of Death (2018).
• The rise of around 11.5% in cancer incidence is recorded in India, along with a 13.8% increase in cancer-related deaths every year.
• Breast cancer rate - Over the past 26 years, the age-standardized incidence rate of breast cancer in females increased by 39.1% from 1990 to 2016, with the increase observed in every State.
• The number of breast cancer cases in India is projected to rise by 50,000 annually this decade.
• Vulnerable - Current trends point out that a higher proportion of the disease is occurring at a younger age in Indian women, as compared to the West.
• Survival rate in India - The survival rate of patients with breast cancer is poor in India as compared to Western countries.
• It is due to earlier age at onset, late stage of disease at presentation, delayed initiation of definitive management and inadequate/fragmented treatment.
• Associating factors - Firstly, breast cancer is associated with lower levels of physical activity, socioeconomic status, utilization of health facilities and health insurance.
• A survey showed that 14.2% of patients discontinued treatment, and only 9% of the patients were covered by any health insurance scheme.
• Co-morbidity - Breast cancer is also associated with high co-morbidity, with hypertension and diabetes being the most common co-morbidities, thus contributing to a high economic burden.

Reference

The Hindu | Breast cancer cases in India