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Indian Women's Breast Cancer Risks Decoded
20 Dec
Summary
- Reproductive timing and hormonal exposure are key risk factors.
- Central obesity and family history significantly increase risk.
- Early screening is crucial for women in their forties in India.
Scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have identified specific risk factors contributing to breast cancer incidence among Indian women, a leading cancer affecting this demographic. The study, a systematic review and meta-analysis, found that reproductive timing and hormonal exposure significantly influence risk.
Factors such as late menopause (over 50), first pregnancy after 30, and central obesity are strongly associated with increased breast cancer risk. Lifestyle elements including poor sleep quality, irregular sleep patterns, sleeping in lighted rooms, and elevated stress levels were also linked to higher risk, contrasting with the protective effect of physical activity.
Unlike high-income countries where incidence rises after 50, India sees a higher prevalence in women aged 40-50. This disparity underscores the importance of early screening and targeted lifestyle interventions, particularly focusing on reducing abdominal obesity, to address the growing number of cases.
