Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women across the world. It accounts for 16% of cancers in women worldwide. 1 in 8 women risk being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lives. In India, Breast cancer ranks as the number one cancer among Indian females with rate as high as 25.8 per 100,000 women and mortality of 12.7 per 100,000 women, according to Indian Health Ministry.
India has a low survival rate for breast cancer, with only 66.1% survivors between 2010 and 2014 as compared to other nations like US & Australia with 90% survival rate.
Lack of awareness about the disease and its treatment is one of the major reasons for low survival rate of breast cancer patients in India. According to National Institute of Cancer Prevention And Research, breast cancer patients here visit doctors only when the symptoms begin to show; however in western countries breast cancer screening is normal routine in healthcare.
Let’s have a look at some of the points how we can spread awareness and beat this deadly disease during the Breast Awareness Month;
- Spread the Word
A lot of people around the world are suffering from obesity. Obesity rates have increased exponential in last few decades. Obesity is a serious biological condition that increases the risk of a number of diseases, including heart disease and stroke, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, as well as cancers of the endometrium, colon and breast.
With the incidence of overweight and obesity increasing throughout the world, the number of women at risk for developing breast cancer has also increased. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and is also positively associated with tumor size and a higher probability of having positive axillary lymph nodes and faster-growing tumors. Obesity is a risk factor, especially for postmenopausal breast cancer. Elevated circulating estrogen levels as well as local production of this hormone have been implicated as a primary growth factor in this relationship. There is also a growing evidence that obesity increases both the incidence and the mortality of many malignances.
But with awareness and few good practices we can surely beat this deadly disease. Let’s have a look at 9 simple steps of how we can lower the risk of breast cancer.
1. Control your Weight
Cancer, Breast Cancer, Obesity