News

A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that higher levels of physical activity significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer among women in India. The study also highlights the role of lifestyle, reproductive, and metabolic factors in influencing breast cancer incidence.

Key Points

1. Physical activity is inversely associated with breast cancer risk.
2. Central obesity, reproductive timing, and family history strongly influence disease occurrence.
3. Women above 50 years have nearly three times higher risk compared to those under 35 years.
4. Women reporting more than two induced abortions showed a higher risk, while breastfeeding duration and oral contraceptive use showed no significant association.
5. Breast cancer accounts for 22.8% of all cancers among Indian women.
6. Five-year survival rates:
   • 81% (localised stage)
   • 65.5% (regional spread)
7. • 18.3% (distant metastasis)
8. Incidence of breast cancer in India is projected to rise by ~5.6% annually, adding about 0.05 million new cases per year.

Static Info(Prelims Notes)

Breast Cancer in India –

1. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2022, it accounted for 28.2% of all female cancers, with an estimated 2.16 lakh new cases and 13.7% of total cancer deaths among women.

2. The disease burden has increased significantly, with the age-standardised incidence rate rising by 39.1% between 1990 and 2016, reflecting changing lifestyles, delayed childbirth, reduced breastfeeding, obesity, and low physical activity. Regional data show a higher burden in Northern and Southern India.

3. Earlier data (2018) also highlight the trend, with 1.62 lakh new cases, constituting 27.7% of all new cancers in women. Despite its high prevalence, outcomes remain poor due to late diagnosis and limited screening, though early detection can greatly improve survival.

4. Overall, the rising burden underscores the need for stronger awareness, population-based screening, and accessible treatment, especially at the primary healthcare level.

Prelims MCQ

Q1. With reference to breast cancer risk factors in India, consider the following statements:

1. Higher physical activity is associated with lower breast cancer risk.

2. Central obesity increases the risk of breast cancer.

3. Breastfeeding duration has been conclusively shown to increase breast cancer risk.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 2 and 3 only

b) 1 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C) 1 and 2 only