Breast cancer, among women, is expected to increase by 2020, according to Dr Anthony V Pais, Chief of Breast Oncology Service, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre  . 

Briefing reporters, here on Friday, he said that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in Bangalore where incidence rate is 30.7 per cent for every lakh of population. Observing that according to Indian Council of Medical Research for every eight lakh population, among urban India, there is incidence rate of 22-26 per cent developing breast cancer.

  Stating that this had to do with lifestyles where Indian women's age of developing breast cancer tentatively begins at 47 whereas in the West it is 10 years later.  Twenty years ago, girls entered menstrual cycle at 18-19, but now children as young as 10 start their cycles.  With more estrogens developing at early age, there is tendency of women developing breast cancer, he added.

Noting that breast reconstructive surgeries are conducted in sophisticated manner and safe with no additional cost, plastic surgeon Dr Ashok Kaul, said it is awareness that is required. 

Incidentally, Brascon 2014 (Breast Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons), organised at Sparsh Hospital, will see over 150 delegates and doctors from across the world attending the three-day event.