Explore the rising incidence of breast cancer among young women. Understand the causes, lifestyle factors, and screening insights shared by Dr. Vinu Sarathy. Discover the crucial risk factors and the importance of early detection for breast cancer.
The alarming surge in breast cancer cases among young women is a complex interplay of multiple factors. Dr. Vinu Sarathy, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Baptist Hospital in Bangalore, sheds light on this concerning trend and the underlying causes driving this phenomenon.
Traditionally perceived as a disease affecting older demographics, breast cancer is now striking women as young as 40 with alarming frequency. Dr. Sarathy attributes this shift to enhanced awareness levels leading to more frequent screenings, consequently identifying breast cancers at earlier stages.
In an insightful interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Sarathy delineates the factors driving this worrisome trend. Notably, lifestyle changes play a pivotal role, characterized by sedentary lifestyles, Westernized diets rich in saturated fats and low in fiber, reduced physical activity, and heightened stress levels. These shifts in lifestyle contribute significantly to the escalating incidence rates, particularly in the cases of triple-negative or HER2-positive breast cancer, seldom observed in older women.
Moreover, familial or genetic predispositions contribute 5 to 10% to the incidence rate, emphasizing the significance of hereditary factors in the onset of breast cancer.
Dr. Sarathy underscores a critical concern: despite increased awareness, breast cancer screening remains insufficient in society. While the numbers have improved—4 out of 5 women now inquire about risk factors or family history of breast cancer—more significant participation in screenings is essential.
Unlike other cancers where voluntary screening is prevalent, breast cancer screenings largely occur after someone close has been diagnosed. Dr. Sarathy emphasizes the influence of genetic factors, previous radiation exposure, oral contraceptive use, and environmental influences, which elevate the risk of breast cancer by 1.3 to 2 times compared to populations without these risk factors.
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