Strategies to Combat the Rising Incidence of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is now the most prevalent form of cancer in Indian women. The Incidence of Breast Cancer in India is 25.8 per 100,000 women, while in a developed country such as the United States of America, it is 124 per 100,000 women. The 5-year survival in India is however only 50% while in the USA, it is 91%. The prevalence of breast cancer is increasing in India, especially in the younger age. Significant factors for developing Breast cancer are dietary habits, lifestyle, reproductive pattern, and usage of post-menopausal hormonal therapy. In a resource limited country with a large population like India, a National program combining prevention strategies, educational programs for early detection will have the best chance of substantially lowering the incidence and mortality from this lethal disease. A collaborative approach of government, non-government organizations, and the people at large has the potential to substantially reduced the incidence and mortality from breast cancer. We briefly summarize the data on the incidence, risk factors, and risk reduction approaches for achieving this goal.