Breast cancer cases doubling in India

Breast cancer has struck on almost all the corners of the world, and the Indian scenario is not far behind. A recent analysis shows reported cancer cases in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai from 1982 through 2005. This was conducted by ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). The study shows incidents of breast cancer to have doubled in metro cities; however, cervical cancer cases have come down by 50%.

Health Profile of India has predicted that breast cancer would take over cervical cancer by 2020.

Head of Preventive Oncology, Dr. Rajni Mutneja, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, Delhi, says every one out of 20 women suffer from breast cancers in metro cities. She says there’s a notable doubling in the amount of cases in 10 years where half the patients present themselves at final stages where a definite cure is difficult.

An official from Health Ministry says breast cancer 10 years ago happened to be in 10/1-lakh women diagnosed annually. The official says cases had doubled now to 23/1-lakh women. They also mentioned that breast cancer cases in Chennai have troubling figures with a ratio of 1:33 women being affected.