Jharkhand Women Face Rising Breast Cancer Rates: Lifestyle Factors Key

Ranchi: Breast cancer has emerged as the most prevalent form of cancer among women in Jharkhand, health experts have said, attributing it mainly to lifestyle changes and consumption of intoxicant substances.Doctors said cases of breast cancer have been rising over the past few years, particularly among urban women. Among the key factors for the rise of the disease in the urban women are late marriages, consequently leading to a delay in childbirth, lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle.Dr Anamika Kumari, an oncologist at the RJSP Cancer Hospital in Ranchi, said earlier breast cancer was common among women aged above 50 years, but now women in the age group of 30 to 40 years are also being diagnosed with it.“The reason behind this is a shift in lifestyle and obesity. Women in their 20s start consuming liquor, tobacco, and cigarettes, and savour junk food. All these factors lead to obesity and hormonal changes, and can develop into breast cancer later in life,” Dr Kumari added.She further said late marriage, fewer pregnancies, and shorter breastfeeding periods also contribute to the rise in breast cancer. “Nowadays, women do not opt for breastfeeding for a longer period. Notably, breastfeeding is a preventive factor for breast cancer. Also, couples these days opt for one or two children, and this low pregnancy rate is also one of the main factors for breast cancer,” she added.Experts also pointed out that a majority of patients continue to report to hospitals at an advanced stage of the disease.“Around 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary, but in other cases, increased oestrogen levels in the female body due to delayed pregnancy cause this cancer, coupled with changes in lifestyle and career choices. Despite having very visible symptoms such as lumps or a change in skin colour in the breast, women in our society tend to ignore these due to societal stigma. As a result, they consult doctors when the disease reaches an advanced stage, making treatment more complicated,” said Dr Abhinav Shekhar, a city-based oncologist.Dr Shekhar said all women aged above 40 years must undergo an annual mammography test for early detection.