Bengaluru doctors warn of rising cancer cases among young women amid changing lifestyle risks

Bengaluru: Oncologists in the city have reported a noticeable rise in the incidence of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers among women in Bengaluru, particularly in those aged 30 to 40.

A majority of these cases are being diagnosed despite there being no family history of the disease. However, quantifying this rise in absolute numbers within Bengaluru and the rest of the state proves difficult due to the lack of a central registry that tracks each screening, testing, and positive case of cancer in Karnataka.

"It is estimated that 1 in 29 women in India have a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Nearly 90% of the cases that come to us are with no known family history. However, it is very treatable, and timely detection leads to fantastic outcomes. If detected at stage one or two, there is between a 95% to 99% chance of cure,” said Dr Jayanti Thumsi, surgical oncologist (breast), who emphasised the importance of early detection, regular self-examination, and mammograms after the age of 40.

Dr Sindhu VA, Senior Consultant-Surgical Oncologist in Kengeri, expressed concerns over the rising incidence of breast cancer in women in their 30s.

"Genetic factors contribute to about 10% of all breast cancer cases. Other risk factors include early menarche, late menopause, hormonal supplementation after menopause, obesity, and tobacco and alcohol use,” she explained.

Dr M S Ganesh, Surgical Oncologist and Head at a city hospital, noted that endometrial cancers, which were considered uncommon just a decade ago, are now on the rise.

"Generally, more young women are affected by cancers than young men. I see more women in their early to late 30s coming in with breast cancer. It was extremely rare in the past, but that is a definite trend now. Ovarian cancer, once considered a disease of older women, is now being seen in both unmarried and married women in their early to late 30s,” he said.

He pointed out that a major risk factor is a higher BMI, which is influenced by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, and is linked to hyper-estrogenic states, thus increasing the risks of these three cancers.

While improved diagnostic capabilities have led to more people being tested and seeking treatment, doctors acknowledged that many patients still come to them when the cancer is already at an advanced stage, typically the second or third stage. The longer the delay, the more expensive and prolonged the treatment can become. 

Some symptoms to watch out for include breast lumps, changes in the colour or texture of the breast skin, swelling in the underarm area, or a bloody nipple discharge — each of which requires immediate medical attention.

Free cancer screening this week

The Indian Cancer Society is organising free cancer screening camps this month at various locations, with a camp scheduled on Kanakapura Road on February 9.

Additionally, their volunteers offer emotional counseling to patients at nine hospitals in the city. (ICS cancer helpline: [phone])

The Karnataka Cancer Society, Vyalikaval, is organising free breast, cervical, and oral cancer screenings at their office on February 8.

(080-2344 8534 for more information).