Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
Dr. Sudipto De, a cancer surgeon based at the Metro Heart Institute with Multispecialty in Faridabad, has sounded an alert over a rising share of breast cancer diagnoses among younger Indian women. He said nearly 15–20% of breast cancer patients in India are under 40, and the average age at diagnosis is about 45 years.
Posting on social media, Dr. De called for greater awareness of early signs and risk factors. He noted that breast cancer is no longer confined to older age groups; cases are appearing in women in their 20s and 30s as well.
Young women face an increasing burden
Globally, the World Health Organization estimates breast cancer caused roughly 670,000 deaths in 2022, remaining a leading cause of cancer mortality in women.
Dr. De described the trend in India as worrying and said a mix of genetic and lifestyle influences is driving earlier onset. He cited factors such as inherited gene mutations, sedentary habits, obesity, alcohol consumption and delayed childbearing.
“Women in their 30s and even 20s can develop breast cancer,” he warned. “Awareness and timely checks are crucial.”
Drivers behind rising cases in younger groups
According to Dr. De, both heredity and behaviour contribute to the rise. Mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and unhealthy lifestyle choices all increase risk.
He also pointed to later marriage and childbirth and reduced breastfeeding as factors that may elevate risk among younger women.
“There is a notable increase in women below 40,” Dr. De said. “Nearly one in five cases in India falls into this younger category.”
Early detection improves outcomes
While the trend is concerning, Dr. De stressed early detection offers the best chance of successful treatment. Regular screening and attention to bodily changes enable doctors to diagnose and treat cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.
He recommended three practical steps for women:
Know your body – Report any new lumps, swelling or unusual changes promptly.
Review family history – If relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, discuss genetic testing with a clinician.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle – Stay active, maintain a balanced diet, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and attend regular health check-ups.
Dr. De added, “When detected early, even aggressive cancers in young women can respond well to treatment. Early action saves lives.”
Screening is important at younger ages for some
Dr. De noted that the misconception that breast cancer only affects older women persists, but he advised younger women to learn breast self-examination and not dismiss symptoms such as pain, swelling or abnormal discharge.
He said imaging tests like mammography and ultrasound can reveal disease before symptoms appear. For women with a significant family history or known genetic risks, clinicians may recommend starting screening earlier than typical guidelines suggest.
“Do not delay investigations if you notice changes. Screening helps detect cancer sooner, when treatment is most effective,” he said.
Lifestyle changes can reduce risk
Experts advise several manageable habits to lower breast cancer risk, including maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, avoiding processed foods, limiting alcohol and quitting smoking, and managing stress through practices such as yoga or meditation.
Dr. De also mentioned that breastfeeding may lower a mother’s risk by reducing lifetime exposure to certain hormones linked to breast cancer.
Awareness and prevention
Dr. De’s message has reached many online, particularly younger women, with the aim of dispelling the myth that breast cancer is an older woman's disease and encouraging early medical review.
“Understand your risk, seek screening when appropriate and do not ignore new changes,” he advised. “Even at a young age, vigilance and early care can make breast cancer treatable.”
The wider takeaway is that informed prevention and prompt detection remain the strongest tools against breast cancer.
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