Many breast cancer patients go to hosp at advanced stage

Nagpur: While the world is celebrating October as the cancer awareness month, national-level comparative data of the breast cancer reporting in the Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) in different states reveal some worrisome figures about lack of breast cancer awareness in India.

The figures shared by the doctors at Nagpur’s Rashtrasant Tukadoji TCC Centre shows that less than 8% patients approach cancer hospitals at the first stage of breast cancer, which is most effectively treatable. More than 50% cancer patients are at the advanced stage (II and III), while nearly 6 to 13% patients reach hospitals only when their breast cancer is in the fourth and last stage.

Data from TCCCs in Mumbai, Kochin, Chennai, Lucknow and Nagpur show that the conditions are almost similar in all states in the country and the reason behind it is lack of awareness about breast cancer. In Nagpur, 39% of cancer-affected women have breast cancer.

“Firstly, breast cancer is rising in every part of India. It is now the most common cancer of urban women in the country and the second common cancer in rural women after cervical cancer. Patients going to hospitals late is a major cause for concern,” said Dr Prasanna Joshi, onco-surgeon at RST Hospital.

Survival for five years after cancer treatment is considered a milestone. In USA, this rate is 89% because more than 75% of women having breast cancer are taken to hospitals in the first stage itself. In India, this figure is less than 50%.

“If presented at an early stage, the outcome after treatment is better. Cancer awareness work in Vidarbha is commendable. We get more than 8% cases of breast cancer in the first stage which is way better than Chennai (1%), Lucknow (4%), Kochi (4.4%) and Mumbai (7.8%),” said Dr Joshi.

Poor screening of breast cancer is another factor responsible for the late detection. There is no national or regional breast cancer screening programme in India. Mammography is not advocated for mass screening because it’s not cost effective. Spreading awareness is the only solution that can improve this tally.

“Self-breast examination is the first step. Government as well as social organizations are promoting this for early detection. There are many cancer support groups voluntarily working in Vidarbha,” said Madhuri Tijare, who runs Samarth, a cancer support group.

LATE REPORTING DANGEROUS

Rate of detection at Stage 1 is only 7.8% in Mumbai, 4.4% in Kochi, 1% in Chennai, 4% in Lucknow and 8% in Nagpur

Detection at stage 2 is 57.4% in Mumbai, 42.3% in Kochi, 23% in Chennai, 33% in Lucknow and 43% in Nagpur

Detection at stage 3 is 28.9% in Mumbai, 40.5% in Kochin, 52% in Chennai, 47% in Lucknow and 32% in Nagpur

Detection at stage 4 is 5.9% in Mumbai, 12.8% in Kochi, 24% in Chennai, 9% in Lucknow and 12% in Nagpur

In Nagpur, breast cancer is 39% of all female patients

More than 50% patients reach cancer hospitals with advanced stage (II and III)

On an average only 5% patients present in Stage 1

8 to 10% patients reach hospitals in Stage IV which is dangerous

Average tumour size in most centres is 5cm or more


Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.