Epidemiological Correlates of Breast Cancer in South India

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women globally and represents the second leading cause of cancer death among women (after lung cancer). India is going through epidemiologic transition. It is reported that the incidence of breast cancer is rising rapidly as a result of changes in reproductive risk factors, dietary habits and increasing life expectancy, acting in concert with genetic factors. Materials and Methods: In order to understand the existing epidemiological correlates of breast cancer in South India, a systematic review of evidence available on epidemiologic correlates of breast cancer addressing incidence, prevalence, and associated factors like age, reproductive factors, cultural and religious factors was performed with specific focus on screening procedures in southern India. Results: An increase in breast cancer incidence due to various modifiable risk factors was noted, especially in women over 40 years of age, with late stage of presentation, lack of awareness about screening, costs, fear and stigma associated with the disease serving as major barriers for early presentation. Conclusions: Educational strategies should be aimed at modifying the life style, early planning of pregnancy, promoting breast feeding and physical activity. It is very important to obtain reliable data for planning policies, decision-making and setting up the priorities.

Oncologist Perspectives on Breast Cancer Screening in India-Results from a Qualitative Study in Andhra Pradesh

“…The controversial effects of oral contraceptives (OCPs) on breast cancer have been extensively studied but there is a conflicting epidemiological evidence regarding the role of OCPs in causation of breast cancer (Calle et al, 1996). Our results from systematic review and qualitative interviews also noted the protective effect of breast feeding in reducing risk for breast cancer (Babu et al, 2013). There are several studies done in India showing similar results (Gajalakshmi et al, 2009;Meshram et al, 2009).…”

“…Srikanthi Lakshmi Bodapati 1,2& , Giridhara Rathnaiah Babu 2& * correlates of breast cancer addressing incidence, prevalence, and associated factors like age, reproductive factors, cultural and religious factors with specific focus on screening procedures in southern India (Babu et al, 2013). Second, we conducted a qualitative study to understand the perceptions of the oncologists regarding clinical presentation of breast cancer, stages of breast cancer with which women present to these clinics, mode of screening of breast cancer prevalent in Andhra Pradesh.…”

A study to assess the knowledge regarding breast cancer and practices of breast self-examination among women in urban area

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Breast cancer is amongst the most common cancer in women both in the developed and the developing world whose incidence is increasing specially in the developing world due to increased life expectancy, increase urbanization and adoption of unhealthy stressful lifestyles. 8, 9 Age standardised incidence rate in India is about 25.8 per 100,000 women that is roughly 1 in 4000 are females affected.…”

Awareness of Risk Factors for Cancer among Omani adults- A Community Based Study

“…Approximately 7.6 million deaths worldwide (around 13% of all deaths) occurred in 2008 as a result of cancer; the incidence of different types of cancer has increased in the past 20 years and is expected to rise further with an estimated 13.1 million deaths per annum by 2030 (World Health Organization, 2014a, Babu et al, 2013Shi et al, 2014;Keramatinia et al, 2014). The majority of deaths from all types of cancer (70%) occurred in low and middle income countries (World Health Organization, 2014a).…”