In India, Over 87,090 Women Die Every Year Due To Breast Cancer

While Breast Cancer accounts for 27 percent of all cancers in women, it also claims 87,090 lives every year in India, according to the Globocan 2018 data. In the year 2018 itself, 1,62,468 new cases of breast cancer were registered. Breast cancer also accounts for 14 percent of all cancers in women. Globally, breast cancer incidences have increased by 20 percent. Mortality has increased by 14 percent.

Key Takeaways:

• Globally, Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in 140 countries out of 184 countries. It is the second most common type of cancer in women.
• In India, according to the Globocan Data 2018, 87,090 lives are claimed by Breast Cancer every year. 
• Overall, one woman in 28 women is likely to develop Breast Cancer during her lifetime.
• The statistics in urban areas is higher as compared to rural areas where the possibility of breast cancer is one in 60 women as compared to that in urban areas where it is one in 22 women.

“Early detection may be crucial for successful breast cancer treatment. Therefore, it’s important to influence women’s awareness of the symptoms and their attitudes towards treatment."

Read More: What Support Do Breast Cancer Patients Want? Food, Rides & Prayer

Beginning In the Early Thirties, Breast Cancer Cases Reached Its Peak In The Age Group Between 50-64

The Breast Cancer cases in India begin to rise in the early thirties and reach its peak in the age group of 50-64 years. The disease originates with a painless lump in the breast, which can aggravate pain, swelling and nipple abnormalities.

According to the study conducted in 2018, A staggering 90 percent of rural women had no awareness about the benefits of self-examination.

Early detection of Breast Cancer proves to be helpful in its treatment. However, a study in March 2018 showed that in rural India, women wait long before treatment and examination. The report was published by Ume University. “Early detection may be crucial for successful breast cancer treatment. Therefore, it’s important to influence women’s awareness of the symptoms and their attitudes towards treatment. Illiteracy, ignorance, poverty, and superstition regretfully lead to many women delaying their contact with the health care system too long,” said researcher Nitin Gangwane.

Read More: NIRAMAI Eases Breast Cancer Screening For All: Dr Geetha Manjunath

Researchers from the University of Buffalo and the University of Puerto Rico have recently conducted a study about the link between consumption of onion and garlic with reduced risk for cancer.

Self Examination Crucial In Early Detection Of Breast Cancer

According to a study conducted in 2018, a staggering 90 percent of rural women had no awareness about the benefits of self-examination. The report also noted that every third woman had no knowledge about breast cancer. What is dangerous is that almost 50 percent of women patients’ cases showed a delay of more than three months in examining breast cancer and seeking medical care. And the reason women gave to justify not seeking medical assistance is that they did not feel any pain in their breast lump.

Study on Puerto Rican women

Researchers from the University of Buffalo and the University of Puerto Rico have recently conducted a study about the link between consumption of onion and garlic with reduced risk for cancer. The group researchers and students have found that daily consumption of onion and garlic leads to a decreased risk of developing breast cancer. Among Puerto Rican women, in the study, the combined intake of onion and garlic, as well as sofrito, was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Sofrito is a condiment, common in Puerto Rico cuisine. The key ingredients of sofrito are onion and garlic. This study is the first of its kind since the linking of sofrito to a decreased risk of breast cancer is unique in itself. This makes the study the first population-based study to examine the relation of garlic and onion with a decreased possibility of Breast Cancer.

Picture Credit: Maurer Foundation

Read More: India Ranks 133rd In The Women, Peace And Security Index 2019