Breast cancer cases in city to double by 2025, predicts study

A 30 year-long study conducted by the Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, has revealed the incidence of breast cancer is higher among older women. It projected that there will be a two-fold rise in number of breast cancer cases in Mumbai by 2025.

A 30 year-long study conducted by the Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, has revealed the incidence of breast cancer is higher among older women. It projected that there will be a two-fold rise in number of breast cancer cases in Mumbai by 2025.

According to the study, of 4,731 breast cancer cases recorded between 1976 and 2005 in the Mumbai Cancer Registry, the total number of cases detected among older women (50 to 74 years) was higher at 2,536 as compared to 2,195 among younger women (25 to 49 years).

While 1,337 cases were reported in the city between 2001 and 2005, the study projected the number to rise to 2,664 by 2025.

The study, 'Increase in breast cancer incidence among older women in Mumbai: 30-year trend and prediction to 2025', was published in the international Cancer Epidemiology Journal in March.

"Lifestyle changes such as late marriages, delayed pregnancy and obesity are factors contributing to the rise in incidence of breast cancer among older women. Less number of children and less breastfeeding is also putting women at higher risk of breast cancer," said Dr Rajesh Dikshit, principal investigator of the study.