Over 26 pc of Indian women diagnosed with breast cancer. What’s driving the surge? | Explained
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, with women carrying a significant share of the burden. According to the World Cancer Research Fund (2022), over 96.65 lakh cancer cases were diagnosed among women worldwide, out of which 7.22 lakh were reported in India.
The India Fact Sheet (Globocan 2022) revealed that among Indian women, the most common types of cancer include breast cancer with over 1.92 lakh cases accounting for 26.6 per cent, cervical cancer with over 1.27 lakh cases (17.7 per cent), ovarian cancer with 47,333 cases (6.6 per cent), and lip and oral cavity cancer with 35,947 cases (5 per cent). Alarmingly, more than 4.46 lakh Indian women lost their lives to cancer in 2022.
With breast cancer emerging as the most prevalent type of cancer in Indian women, it becomes crucial to understand what is driving this surge, what factors contribute to it, and what roadmap lies ahead to address it.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is among the most common forms of cancer affecting women. It occurs when cells in the breast tissue grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Nearly 80 per cent of breast cancers are invasive, meaning they have the potential to spread beyond the breast.
Although most cases occur in women above the age of 50, an increasing number of younger women are being diagnosed each year. Men can also develop breast cancer, though such cases account for only about one to two per cent of the total.
There are several types of breast cancer, each varying in behaviour and aggressiveness. The most common form is invasive ductal carcinoma, which begins in the milk ducts and spreads into the surrounding breast tissue. Lobular breast cancer, on the other hand, starts in the milk-producing glands known as lobules.
A less invasive type, ductal carcinoma in situ, begins in the ducts but does not spread beyond them. Some forms like triple-negative breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, and Paget’s disease of the breast are rare but aggressive.
Breast cancers are also classified based on the presence or absence of certain receptors on the cancer cells. Tumours that have oestrogen or progesterone receptors are termed ER-positive or PR-positive, respectively, while those with higher levels of the HER2 protein are known as HER2-positive.
Cancers lacking all three receptors are called triple-negative breast cancers, which tend to be more difficult to treat but often respond well to chemotherapy. Identifying the type and receptor status helps doctors plan personalised treatment strategies, improving survival rates and minimising side effects.
Understanding the symptoms and causes
The symptoms of breast cancer can vary greatly, and in many cases, they go unnoticed during the early stages. A woman might not feel any discomfort at all. However, visible or physical signs may include changes in the size or shape of the breast, the appearance of a lump in the breast or underarm, redness or dimpling of the skin, a change in the nipple’s appearance, or discharge from the nipple. In advanced stages, the skin may appear puckered, thickened, or inflamed.
Experts understand that breast cancer develops when normal breast cells undergo mutations, turning into cancerous cells that grow and multiply uncontrollably to form tumours. While the exact cause of these mutations remains unclear, research suggests that several risk factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing breast cancer. Age is one of the strongest predictors, with risk rising significantly after 50. Gender is another, as women are far more prone to breast cancer than men.
Family history and genetics also play a crucial role, with nearly 15 per cent of breast cancer cases linked to inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity are also known contributors. Reproductive choices, including delayed marriage and childbirth, fewer pregnancies, and shorter breastfeeding durations, have also been linked to higher incidence rates. Other factors like exposure to radiation, especially in the chest region, and prolonged hormone replacement therapy post-menopause have also been associated with increased risk.
Why is breast cancer increasing in India?
The increase in breast cancer cases in India has been consistent and concerning. Researchers attribute this to a mix of urbanisation, lifestyle changes, and delayed health interventions.
A 2024 study that examined the state-wise burden of female breast cancer using data from 28 population-based cancer registries under the National Cancer Registry Programme found that women living in cities are at far greater risk compared to those in rural regions. The study observed that urban lifestyles characterised by sedentary behaviour, higher obesity rates, delayed marriage and childbirth, and reduced breastfeeding have significantly contributed to the higher prevalence.
It also noted that cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Delhi recorded far higher incidence rates than rural areas, with the national age-standardised incidence rate touching 32 per 100,000 women — higher than the global and regional estimates for South Central Asia.
Another 2025 review on breast cancer in India analysed data from national registries and medical centres, revealing major barriers in detection and care. It found that “Challenges include a lack of trained health care providers, limited access to screening, delayed diagnosis, and unequal treatment availability. High mortality is compounded by poor penetrance of screening biomarkers, late-stage presentation, and limited access to cost-effective diagnostics.”
The study highlighted that, “there is a general lack of awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection in India, which is further compounded by insufficient public health campaigns to educate women about self-breast examinations and screening.” It also noted that “Cultural stigma, child marriage, and gender inequality prevent women from seeking early screening.” Over half the patients studied presented at advanced stages, mainly from poorer sections, aligning with findings that poverty is linked to worse tumour outcomes and higher mortality.
Dr Jyoti Mehta, Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at Onco Life Cancer Centre, Pune, explained that breast cancer arises due to a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. She highlighted that risk factors can be broadly divided into non-modifiable and modifiable categories. “Women themselves are a risk factor for breast cancer,” she said, noting that while the disease was traditionally seen in women over 40 or 50, increasingly, younger women—even under 30—are being diagnosed.
Genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, can run in families and lead to early-onset breast cancer. “These patients often have more aggressive forms of cancer, presenting at a younger age,” Dr Mehta observed.
Hormonal factors also play a significant role. Women who experience early menarche (before age 12) or late menopause are exposed to longer periods of estrogen, which can increase risk. Other hormonal influences include late or no pregnancies, lack of breastfeeding, long-term hormone replacement therapy, or use of estrogen- or progesterone-only contraceptive pills.
In fact, a study titled “Breast Cancer in Young Women: Analysis of Incidence, Clinicopathological Profile and Biological Behaviour in a Tertiary Care Institute from South India” revealed that between 2012 and 2018, over 15 per cent of breast cancer patients were under 40 years old. Most presented at advanced stages, with a significant number showing high-grade tumours, HER2 positivity, and triple-negative profiles. The study concluded that “breast cancer patients under the age of 40 years is increasing.”
Lifestyle factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking further contribute to breast cancer risk. Dr Mehta explained that obesity increases peripheral estrogen production through the conversion of androgens in adipose tissue, which can fuel cancer growth. She also emphasised the socio-economic and lifestyle factors affecting Indian women, particularly in urban areas. “Urban lifestyles often involve high stress, sedentary behaviour, and delayed pregnancies, all of which can increase breast cancer risk,” she said.
A 2025 study conducted on 35,083 women aged 45 and above from the 'Longitudinal Aging Study of India' examined mammography uptake as an indicator of early breast cancer detection. The study found that “low rates of mammography among women across the country, along with inter-state disparities, highlight inadequate coverage of early detection of breast cancer under the National programme. Increasing burden of breast cancer in all states underscores the need to implement early detection program proactively. Disparities in mammography uptake by age, residence and co-morbidities reflect the need for special focus and context-specific research for pragmatic interventions.”
India’s roadmap to tackle breast cancer
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare press release, “The Government of India has introduced robust policies, strategic interventions, and financial assistance schemes to enhance prevention, early detection, treatment, and patient care nationwide.”
The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated Rs 99,858.56 crore to the ministry, with plans to establish day care cancer centres in all district hospitals over the next three years, including 200 centres in 2025–26, to make treatment more accessible at the district level.
Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), oral, breast, and cervical cancers are prioritised. The programme strengthens cancer care through community-level screenings, early detection via health workers and digital platforms, and infrastructure development, including district clinics, cardiac care units, and day care centres. “These facilities provide accessible and affordable cancer screenings, particularly for oral, breast, and cervical cancers,” the ministry noted.
The Strengthening of Tertiary Care for Cancer Scheme decentralises specialised care across states. India now has 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres, with institutions such as the National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, and Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, delivering advanced care and research.
Ayushman Bharat, launched in 2018, ensures timely cancer treatment, covering chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology for vulnerable populations. By 2024, over 90 per cent of registered patients had started treatment under the program. The Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) provides financial aid up to Rs 15 lakh for underprivileged patients, covering 27 Regional Cancer Centres. “The scheme ensures accessible and affordable cancer care for underprivileged patients,” the ministry emphasised.
The National Cancer Grid (NCG), India’s largest cancer network, treats over 7.5 lakh new patients annually, standardises care, and contributes to the National Digital Health Mission with electronic patient health records.
India has also advanced cancer research. In April 2024, the launch of NexCAR19, the country’s first indigenously developed CAR-T cell therapy, marked a breakthrough in affordable, next-generation cancer treatment.
The Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative, launched in September 2024 with the US, Australia, and Japan, aims to eliminate cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region through screening, vaccination, and research collaboration. In January 2025, the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) expanded to accelerate clinical breakthroughs and enhance patient care.
Awareness and prevention efforts are also underway. “Preventive aspect of Cancer is strengthened under Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Ayushman Aarogya Mandir by promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication at the community level,” the Ministry stated.
Campaigns, media outreach, and initiatives like Eat Right India, the Fit India Movement, and yoga programmes under AYUSH promote healthy living. The NP-NCD funds state-level awareness programmes, emphasising early detection and prevention.
However, Dr Mehta emphasised that India’s health system needs strengthening, particularly for cancer screening and awareness. “While some government-led screening initiatives exist, many are underfunded. Awareness is going on, but more needs to be done. Certain clubs and trustees do fund screening programmes, but the government needs to improve these efforts to increase screening and awareness,” she said.
On self-breast examination, Dr Mehta advised that timing and technique are crucial. “Self-breast examination shouldn’t be done during menstruation because the breast is denser and more sensitive. It should be done five to seven days after periods, and for post-menopausal women, any day of the month is fine.”
She described the process, “Start with inspection in front of a mirror, observe skin or nipple changes, and raise your arms above your head to check size and shape. Lean forward with hands on hips to tighten chest muscles and look for rashes, ulceration, or lumps. Then use the finger pads of the three middle fingers in small circular motions with light pressure. Do not use fingertips or apply deep pressure.”
Dr Mehta stressed the importance of early detection through both self-exams and professional consultations. “Self-awareness is key. Examine yourself monthly. If there’s a first-degree family history of breast cancer, start clinical examinations early—even from your 20s—and repeat every three years, and annually after 40.” For screening, she recommended mammography annually or biannually for women over 40, and earlier or more frequent imaging, including MRI or ultrasonography, for those with high-risk factors or younger women aged 25–30.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.
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