Experts Raise Alarm on Rising Breast Cancer Cases Among Young Women

Faridabad: Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, has reported an alarming rise in breast cancer cases among women in their 20s and 30s. While breast cancer has traditionally been associated with women over 50, younger populations are increasingly at risk, creating new challenges in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, experts warn.

Breast cancer has now become the most common cancer among women worldwide, with 2.26 million cases reported in 2020, accounting for 30% of cancers among young adults. While genetic predisposition remains the leading risk factor for breast cancer in younger age groups, lifestyle choices significantly contribute to the disease's onset.

Dr Shiveta Razdan, Consultant, Breast Oncology at Amrita Hospital, explained, “Lifestyle factors that may lead to breast cancer can be divided into modifiable and non-modifiable categories. Modifiable factors include obesity, high-fat diets, nulliparity, contraceptive use, and alcohol consumption. On the other hand, non-modifiable factors encompass sex, increasing age, early menarche, late menopause, and hereditary cancer.”

Highlighting additional risks, Dr Razdan noted, “Smoking and alcohol consumption are significant risk factors. Heavy smoking or consuming even one alcoholic drink per day can increase breast cancer risk by 30-50%. Prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives, especially for more than five years, is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, which can persist for up to a decade after discontinuation. Additionally, these treatments may impact fertility, complicating family planning for young women.”

Despite improvements in early detection due to increased awareness, India still faces challenges, with only 40% of cases detected early, compared to 80% in Western countries.

“Preventive measures for young women include regular self-examinations and mammograms starting from 35-40 years,” emphasized Dr Saphalta Baghmar, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, at Amrita Hospital.

“Early diagnosis and timely access to treatment are critical for better outcomes. Steps like breastfeeding, a vegetarian diet, and regular exercise can also offer protective benefits,” she added.

The rising incidence among young women underscores the urgent need for expanded awareness campaigns, better screening programs, and comprehensive care to combat breast cancer in this demographic.