October is recognised as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ as the World Health Organisation (WHO) dubs it ‘the most common cancer globally with around 2.3 million new cases every year’.

Gujarat is witnessing a concerning rise in cancer cases along with heart disease as over the past five years, approximately 54,616 individuals have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

In Gujarat, breast cancer deaths have increased by 25% in the past 10 years, with 3,355 deaths in 2014 compared to 4,280 in 2023. 

From 2014 to 2023, there have been 38,064 deaths related to breast cancer in Gujarat.

Nationwide, the number of women dying from breast cancer increased from 78,387 in 2021 to 80,390 in 2022; and to 82,429 in 2023. 

Dr Shashank Pandya, Director of the Gujarat Cancer Research Institute (GCRI) located within Civil Hospital campus in Asarwa, stated, “Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Even today, most breast cancer cases in India are diagnosed in the last stage, leading to a higher death rate. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve survival rates for breast cancer patients.”

In a joint initiative by the government and the GCRI has launched a ‘Sanjeevani Rath’ screening van. This van travels across Gujarat to provide free cancer diagnosis services at various locations.

The government has also started a special OPD (Outpatient Department) for breast cancer treatment at the Civil Cancer Hospital, where 60-70 patients are registered daily and receive free cancer screening services.

Reasons behind increasing breast cancer cases

• The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
• Long-term use of hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
• Late marriages and late childbirth.
• Absence of breastfeeding.
• Alcohol, smoking, and obesity.
• Some breast cancers can be hereditary due to genetic mutations.
• 5-10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary, highlighting the importance of genetic screening.

Steps to reduce breast cancer risk

• Self-examination of breasts every month after the fifth day of the menstrual cycle.
• Consulting medical practitioners and getting routine check-ups.
• Women aged 40 and above should get an annual mammogram (breast X-ray).

Also read:

Gujarat sees sharp increase in cancer fatalities in women

New blood test ‘can predict’ breast cancer return much before scans