Early detection of breast cancer can save more lives

At least one-third of common cancers are preventable. Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved each year by implementing resource appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment.

“One third of the cancers can be prevented by reducing behavioral and dietary risks. Tobacco smoke contains at least 80 different cancer-causing substances and leads to mouth and lung cancer mostly. Currently, tobacco use is responsible for around 22 per cent of cancer deaths. Infectious agents are responsible for around 2.2 million cancer deaths annually,” said Dr. S Rajasundaram, Director of Institute of oncology, Gleneagles Global Health City. 

“Around 70 per cent of cervical cancers are caused by Human Papill Omavirus (HPV) while liver cancer and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma can be caused by Hepatitis B and C virus and lymphomas are linked to the Epstein-Barr virus,” he added.

Nowadays, the common problem faced by women is breast cancer. As of 2017, breast cancer prevalence rate has increased to 25.8 women per 1,00,000 women in India. “With around 3,50,000 women suffering from breast cancer, it is now no.1 cancer in Indian women. Only 5 per cent of breast cancers are hereditary. All women above 40 years of age should undergo annual screening with a Full Field Digital Mammogram. Early detection can not only improve the outcome but can drastically reduce the costs of treatment,” said Dr. Rajasundaram.

In India, breast cancer occurs at least a decade earlier than the western world. Almost 45-50 percent of patients in India present in the advanced stages (Stage 3 and 4). “Many cancers we come across is tobacco-related cancer, next is lifestyle-related and infections. Most cases of childhood cancer happen because of random mutations in the genes of growing cells. To prevent cancer, you should quit smoking, have a healthy diet like taking plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoid obesity. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active do at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine, avoid overexposure to the sun and Human papillomavirus (HPV), this vaccine is recommended for all girls at ages 11 and 12,” said Dr. Anitha Ramesh, Oncologist.

Doctors say that regular self-exams and screenings for various types of cancers, such as cancer of the skin, colon, cervix, and breast which can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful.