Lancet Reports Breast Cancer Deaths Likely To Increase By 50% By 2024; Warning Signs and Symptoms To Track

Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer: Breast cancer cases will increase from 2.3 million in 2020 to more than 3 million by 2040 worldwide. Low- and middle-income countries are being disproportionately affected, says a new Lancet Commission. Breast cancer is now the world’s most common cancer; at the end of 2020, 7.8 million women were alive having been diagnosed in the previous five years. In the same year, 685,000 women died from the disease. Despite significant improvements in research, treatment, and survival, gross inequities persist, and many patients are being systematically left behind, reports the Lancet study.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Rajashekar C Jaka, Consultant - Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Jayanagar and Malleshwaram explained about early warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer that one should know.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in India and worldwide. In India, breast carcinoma affects about 25.8 per 100000 women each year with a mortality rate that stands at 12.7 in 100000 women. So, as we know breast cancer is common among older women (55+ age), the current trend shows an increase in breast cancer cases among women between 40-50 years of age, making early detection and screening crucial for all women, including those who may not be at high risk. Breast cancer diagnosed early has over 90% rates of cure compared to advanced-stage patients with less than a 50% chance of cure.

Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer

The first step to detecting breast cancer in its early onset is through a self-examination of the breast for warning signs like - a lump in the breast, changed breast shape, fluid or blood discharge from the nipple, dimpling of the skin, or a red scaly skin patch/rash.

Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer (Image Credits: Canva)

Regular mammograms - a special x-ray of the breast can also help with early detection, leading to a better prognosis. Most health guidelines recommend yearly mammograms for women aged 40 and older to reduce the increasing burden of breast cancer.

If you have a family history of cancer, then you may need to undergo mammograms along with an MRI from an early age. Remember that the only way to prevent this is by being alert, getting regular mammograms and talking to doctors to avoid the modifiable risk factors related to lifestyle.