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As October draws to a close, marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, data from the National Centre for Disease Information and Research (NCDIR-ICMR) underscores Bengaluru’s continuing struggle with breast cancer - a disease that remains the leading cancer among Indian women. In Bengaluru, which hosts one of India’s oldest and most comprehensive cancer registries, approximately 2,610 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed every year. Around 7,040 women are currently living with the disease, and 400 deaths are reported annually. AAIR triples The city’s age-adjusted incidence rate has more than tripled over four decades - from 15 per 1,00,000 women in 1982 to 48.4 per 1,00,000 in recent years - reflecting a 3.4% annual rise. Experts attributed this to increased urbanisation, lifestyle changes, and delayed health-seeking behaviour as contributing factors. The State-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology alone registered 1,544 breast cancer cases last year, contributing to 22.5% of all female cancers treated at the institute. Naveen T., Director (Additional Charge) at Kidwai told The Hindu that breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, both globally and in Karnataka. “These numbers highlight the need to strengthen early detection and improve access to treatment across all districts,” he said. Karnataka’s disease burden In Karnataka, around 15,359 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year, making up 31% of all female cancers in the State. About 2,278 deaths occur annually, while an estimated 40,500 women are currently living with the disease. At the national level, India reports around 2.38 lakh new cases (30% of all female cancers) and 1.02 lakh deaths (25% of all female cancer deaths) due to breast cancer every year. The large number of cases is a combination of genetic predisposition, reproductive factors, and lifestyle influences such as obesity, delayed childbirth, and reduced breastfeeding, Dr. Naveen said. According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, based on data from 43 Population-Based Cancer Registries between 2015 and 2019, breast cancer accounts for nearly one in every three female cancers in India. The study revealed a wide regional variation in age-adjusted incidence rates - from 4.8 per 1,00,000 in Dima Hasao (Assam) to 54.0 per 1,00,000 in Hyderabad - reflecting differences in risk factors, awareness, and access to screening and care. Late diagnosis still a concern Despite growing awareness, more than half of all breast cancer cases in India are still detected in advanced stages (Stage III or IV). Asserting on early detection, Dr. Naveen said, “If detected early, up to 90% of breast cancers are curable. However, the absence of an organised national screening programme continues to be a challenge. Screening remains largely opportunistic and depends on awareness and healthcare access.” While 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary, most are linked to modifiable risk factors - overweight, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol use, and high-fat diets. Lifestyle and awareness key Dr. Naveen emphasised the importance of preventive health measures such as physical activity, balanced diet, breastfeeding, and regular examinations. “Monthly self-examinations, clinical breast exams for women above 30 years, and mammography every two years for those above 40 can make a significant difference,” he said. Kidwai Institute, he added, is working to strengthen oncology units in all district hospitals to ensure accessible screening, diagnosis, and treatment for major cancers, including breast, cervical, and oral cancers.
