NEW DELHI: There was a 36 and 37 percent increase in deaths caused by breast and cervical cancers, respectively, in the national capital over the last decade (2014 to 2023). This rise in Delhi is the highest among the North Indian states of UP, Haryana, Punjab, J&K, and Chandigarh.
This was revealed by the data of the Indian Council of Medical Research - National Cancer Registry Programme, which was recently presented in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav.
In 2014, breast cancer claimed the lives of 1,051 women. Over the course of nine years, this figure rose steadily. By 2023, the number of women succumbing to this disease reached 1,436, marking a significant increase in the mortality rate.
Cervical cancer also took a significant toll on women's lives over the past decade. In 2014, this disease was responsible for the deaths of 447 women. However, the situation worsened in recent years, with the mortality rate showing an alarming upward trend. According to the latest statistics, cervical cancer claimed the lives of 613 women in 2023 alone.
The alarming rise in breast and cervical cancer mortality in Delhi over the past decade is a concerning trend. Dr. Shubham Garg, Director of Surgical Oncology at Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, emphasized the importance of regular screenings and preventive measures to reduce the increasing mortality rate associated with cancer.
He strongly advises women over the age of 45 to undergo annual mammography for early detection of breast cancer. "It is high time for women to be 'Breast Aware' and participate in regular breast cancer screening," Dr. Garg stated.
He further highlighted the significance of mammograms and Pap smears as crucial tools for early detection. In addition to regular check-ups, Dr. Garg stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and receiving timely vaccinations.
He believes that these measures can significantly impact the fight against the growing incidence of cancer-related deaths. He concluded by emphasizing that awareness is the key to combating this alarming trend.
Expressing concerns regarding the high prevalence of breast cancer among Indian women, Dr. Pragya Shukla, a clinical oncologist at the state cancer institute, said, “Among all cancers diagnosed in Indian women, breast cancer accounts for 14%.”
She further pointed out that a significant proportion of these cases, nearly half, are detected at advanced stages, either stage 3 or stage 4.
This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for improved awareness and increased access to screening programmes across the nation.
She also highlighted a notable difference between breast cancer in India and Western countries. "The median age at diagnosis in India is 49 years, which is significantly lower than the median age of 62 in Western populations.”
Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director – Medical Oncology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi, emphasized the urgent need for action in light of the escalating cancer crisis in the city.
He stated, "As Delhi faces this growing cancer crisis, proactive measures and increased awareness are crucial for improving women's health and reversing the upward trend in mortality rates.”
Dr. Neema Sharma, Director, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, emphasizes the importance of conducting self-examinations of the breast on a regular basis.
She advises individuals to be vigilant about any abnormal changes they may notice during these self-checks. If any unusual findings are discovered, she strongly recommends reporting them to a healthcare professional without delay.