Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 21: A new study by scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified distinct risk factors influencing breast cancer among women in India, highlighting the need for early screening and targeted prevention strategies.
Breast cancer is among the three most common cancers affecting Indian women, with incidence rates projected to rise by nearly 5.6 per cent annually—adding an estimated 50,000 new cases each year. The study was conducted by researchers from ICMR’s National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), Bengaluru.
The researchers carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 studies involving 27,925 participants, nearly 45 per cent of whom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The findings were published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology.
According to the analysis, factors such as reproductive timing, hormonal exposure, abdominal obesity, and family history play a major role in breast cancer risk among Indian women. The study found significantly higher risk among women who experience menopause after the age of 50, have their first pregnancy after 30, marry later, undergo multiple abortions, or have central obesity, defined by a waist-to-hip ratio exceeding 0.85.
Lifestyle-related factors also emerged as contributors. Poor sleep quality, irregular sleep patterns, sleeping in illuminated rooms, and high stress levels were linked to increased risk in several studies. Conversely, higher levels of physical activity were associated with reduced risk.
Age was another critical determinant. Women above 50 were found to have a threefold higher risk of breast cancer, while those between 35 and 50 years faced a 1.63 times higher risk. Researchers noted that this underscores the importance of initiating screening programmes for women in their forties.
Unlike high-income countries—where breast cancer is more common in postmenopausal women—India shows a relatively higher incidence among younger women, particularly those in their 40s and early 50s. The researchers attributed this trend to a combination of genetic vulnerability, earlier reproductive changes, and unique lifestyle patterns.
Led by Saravanan Vijayakumar of ICMR-NCDIR, the research team emphasised that early screening and timely intervention are crucial for this age group. The study also pointed out that low body mass index (BMI) may influence disease prognosis and treatment outcomes, warranting further attention.
Given the high prevalence of abdominal obesity in India, the researchers suggested that lifestyle measures aimed at reducing waist circumference could play a meaningful role in breast cancer prevention.
The review concluded by calling for large-scale, population-based prospective studies across India to better refine prevention strategies and improve early detection of breast cancer.