Hyderabad tops Indian metros in breast cancer rate
HYDERABAD: Breast cancer, once considered rare, is increasingly being diagnosed across India and Hyderabad now ranks first among major cities, according to Dr Sainath, medical oncologist at Star Hospitals.
He analysed several national studies and medical journal reports and said that while the rate of breast cancer has remained stable in the United States for two decades, it has risen by 21% in India.
Late detection major concern in India
“In the West, 90% of cases are detected in the early stages, but in India, most women reach hospitals in Stage 3 or 4,” he said. “By then, treatment becomes difficult.”
He attributed this delay to poor screening coverage in India, compared with widespread mammogram screening abroad.
According to Dr Sainath, India recorded 1,92,020 breast cancer cases and 98,337 deaths in 2022, making it the most common cancer among women, with 26.6% share of all female cancers.
Hyderabad leads with double the national average
In 2000, India saw an average of 22 cases per lakh population, which rose to 26.6 by 2022. In comparison, the US averages 130-135 per lakh, but the rate has remained stable.
Hyderabad, however, reports 54 cases per lakh, nearly double the national average, followed by Chennai (45.4), Bengaluru (46.7), Delhi (38.6), and Pune (30).
Dr Sainath said Hyderabad’s rate is comparable with major global cities, though the level of screening here remains low, resulting in delayed diagnosis.
Lifestyle and environmental factors behind surge
Among the key reasons, he listed:
Delayed marriages and childbirth: Women giving birth after 30 face a higher risk than those who deliver earlier.
Shorter breastfeeding duration: Longer breastfeeding reduces oestrogen exposure and cancer risk.
Obesity and high-calorie diet: Urban women are increasingly heavyweight due to poor exercise habits, raising oestrogen levels.
Night shifts: Working at night reduces melatonin and damages DNA, increasing cancer risk.
Air pollution: PM 2.5 exposure raises breast cancer risk by 8%. Hyderabad’s vehicular and industrial pollution is a major factor.
Alcohol consumption: Even one drink a day raises breast cancer risk by 7–10%. About 6–7% of Hyderabad women consume alcohol.
Genetic mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are found more frequently among Indian women, raising lifetime risk by 55–70%.
Rising cases of triple negative breast cancer
Dr Sainath noted that triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) a more aggressive and rare type is rising. It accounts for 30% of breast cancer cases nationally, and about 10% of total cancers in Hyderabad.
He also pointed out that only 13% of Indian women above 45 undergo breast screening, compared with 70–84% in the US. In Hyderabad, the rate is around 20%.
“In India, 50–70% of cancers are detected in advanced stages, whereas 66% of US cases are found early. The difference lies in regular screening,” he added.
