Urban women more prone to breast cancer: Doctors

As the world observes cancer awareness month in October, doctors say that urban women are more prone to breast cancer than rural women, emphasising lifestyle as one of the leading cause.

‘In our country, around one lakh women every year are getting affected by breast cancer. Majority of them are from urban centre,’ said Shyam Aggarwal, head of department of Oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Lifestyle being the leading reason has increased the risk of breast cancer amongst women. ‘Unbalanced diet, junk food, obesity, stress due to professional or personal reasons, smoking , alcohol consumption and such are becoming the reasons for breast cancer. Lack of proper vitamins weakens the immune system and hence, the ability of body to fight against cancer decreases,’ added Aggarwal. According to recent study by World Health organization (WHO), it was observed that by 2020, one in eight urban Indian women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

‘More women are entering workforce and also, priorities are changing. Now women focus more on their careers. Late marriages and decline in breast-feeding are some causes which increases the risk of breast cancer. Also, another factor contributing to disease is hormonal changes which can be attributed to stressful lifestyle,’ said a cancer specialist.

Detection of breast cancer at earliest can help in early recovery. ‘Any sign of painless lump, change in shape of breast, bodily fluids from breast and also, lumps in armpits can be a symptoms of breast cancer. The woman must consult a doctor if she suffers from such symptoms’ said another Oncologist.