Early detection best bet in breast cancer fight: Oncologists

Bhubaneswar: Odisha reports around 12,000 breast cancer cases every year, making it the second-most type of cancer prevalent in the state after oral cancer.Health experts say many of these cases could be detected earlier if more women adopted regular screening and paid attention to early warning signs. They stressed that awareness, timely medical advice, and preventive checks can significantly improve outcomes.Dr Bidhu K Mohanti, a senior oncologist, said 70% of all breast cancers can be detected in early stages when cure rates are above 80%. Awareness about breast self-examination (BSE), maintaining a healthy body weight and good physical activity should become part of every woman’s routine between 35 and 50 years of age, he added.“Motivation for learning BSE and good lifestyle habits can be directed through local health workers, school and college teachers and breast cancer survivors,” said Mohanti.Medical oncologist Ghanashyam Biswas said a major challenge is delayed screening. Many women, including those who are educated and otherwise health-conscious, often avoid mammograms or ultrasound examinations until they notice symptoms. “By the time a lump, pain, nipple discharge or skin changes appear, the disease may already progress,” he added.Experts emphasised that breast cancer can develop silently, and early-stage disease is often easier to treat with better chances of recovery. “Preventive screening is therefore seen as a key tool,” said Biswas.Mammography is commonly used to detect small changes in breast tissue before they can be felt. Ultrasound may be advised in certain cases, including for younger women or when doctors need a clearer assessment. Along with clinical breast examinations by trained health workers, these methods can help identify suspicious findings early and guide further testing when needed.Susanta Kumar Swain, additional director of health services (non-communicable diseases), said awareness is being created among people in communities to learn the BSE method. “Importantly, we developed a prototype for pictorial display about breast cancer in educational institutions in the state. The students will be sensitised about the symptoms of this cancer. If they find any such symptoms, they can approach a doctor,” he added.He said govt used a device to screen for breast cancer among people on a pilot basis in Khurda and Ganjam districts. “We will expand this device to other districts. This year, mammography machines were supplied by govt to medical colleges and hospitals at Koraput, Balangir, Keonjhar and Baripada,” he added.Swain said digital solutions, early diagnosis, extensive awareness and follow-up teleconsultations can immensely help prevent this disease.Experts said fear, stigma, lack of information and limited access to screening facilities contribute to late diagnosis. They added that family support and community-level education can help women seek care sooner.