Experts say that early detection helps reduce risk.
Despite breast cancer being the most common cancer among females in Karnataka, the number of women who have undergone screening for breast cancer remains considerably low.
According to the Profile of Cancer and Related Factors, Karnataka, published under the National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP) in 2021 by the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), breast cancer was the most common cancer constituting 27.9 percent of total female cancers in Karnataka.
However, the recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS) – 5 data shows that only 0.4 percent of women in Karnataka has undergone a breast examination for breast cancer.
Latha, 51, said, “I have heard of breast cancer but I don’t know much about it. I have never felt like I should get screened for breast cancer.”
Anila, 46, said, “I know that breast cancer is common in women.” She has not undergone a screening because she is scared. “What if the screening shows that I have breast cancer?” she asked.
Swastika, 31, said, “I am aware of what breast cancer is. I have not undergone a screening yet. But I will surely start going for regular check-ups.”
The head of Preventive Oncology, Social Work and Cancer Registry Department, Vydehi Cancer Center, said, “Women are aware of breast cancer more than they were five years ago. However, there is still a stigma associated with it and therefore women hesitate to go for breast screening. They ignore the early symptoms of breast cancer which when identified in time reduces the risk.”
She said that women above the age of 30 should regularly get medical screening for breast cancer. “They should at least do self-examination to check if the breasts have any irregular shapes and feel for any lumps,” she suggested.
“Stress, early menarche, obesity and sedentary lifestyle are the most common reasons for breast cancer,” she added.
She also said that several hospitals and NGOs conduct cancer awareness camps in an effort to increase the number of women willing to undergo screening.
