Catching them young

Despite celebs from the Indian film industry and corporate world campaigning for spreading awareness about the threat of breast cancer, the number of patients doesn't seem to come down.

Doctors show concern over the fact that young women are being diagnosed with breast cancer

Despite celebs from the Indian film industry and corporate world campaigning for spreading awareness about the threat of breast cancer, the number of patients doesn8217;t seem to come down. The situation probably needs more of action. October is observed as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month but the irony is that in Pune nearly 30 to 32 women per lakh population are diagnosed with the disease. Moreover, what is of concern to oncologists is that younger women are suffering from the malignant disease.

According to Dr C B Koppiker, head of the cancer unit of Jehangir hospital, 8220;After conducting awareness camps at corporate and IT firms, a few young women in their late 20s contacted us and spoke about the lump in their breasts.8221;

8220;It is difficult to pinpoint any reason but our awareness camps among women8217;s groups. The IT and corporate sector has led to more women approaching us and asking for further details,8221; says Koppiker. He reels of statistics and says that at least one in 28 women in urban areas will get breast cancer.

8220;While mammography is a preventive measure, campaigns are needed to foster and protect breast health,8221; he says. Koppiker also highlights, 8220;In the west, 85 per cent of women who have breast cancer survive. The survival chances in India sadly are only 40-50 per cent as the cancer is diagnosed very late.8221;

Women should not feel shy of a mammography, insists Koppiker who points out, 8220;It is not painful and women who suffer from breast cancer need not worry about losing their breast.8221; In fact, as part of the awareness campaigns, several women who fought breast cancer conducted a fashion show organised by Prashanti Cancer Care mission.