With breast cancer being the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Indian women, timely awareness and screening are critical, says Dr. Haridas P. Mani. The Chennai-based oncologist emphasizes early detection, lifestyle management, and open family conversations as key tools in the fight against the disease.
Globally, cancer is one of the leading causes of death, and women face a significant share of the burden. According to the World Cancer Research Fund (2022), around 96.65 lakh new cancer cases were diagnosed among women worldwide, with 7.22 lakh cases reported in India.
In India, breast cancer accounts for more than 1.92 lakh cases, representing 26.6% of all cancers in women, according to the GLOBOCAN 2022 India Fact Sheet. A 2025 review of national registry data highlights barriers to early detection, including limited access to screening, delayed diagnoses, uneven treatment availability, and low awareness about early detection practices.
Dr. Mani stresses that the first step in breast cancer prevention is awareness. “The first thing every woman should do is know what is normal for her body,” he says. Breast cancer often begins silently, without pain, and early symptoms can be subtle. These include small lumps, thickening of breast tissue, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, redness, or changes in breast shape.
He warns that many women dismiss these changes as hormonal fluctuations, especially around menstruation or menopause. Delays in recognizing warning signs can lead to late-stage diagnoses.
Screening is preventive, not reactive, Dr. Mani explains. Many women only seek medical attention when symptoms are obvious, but regular clinical breast exams and age-appropriate imaging are critical for early detection.
A common misconception is that only women with a family history of breast cancer are at risk. “Lack of family history does not mean lack of risk,” Dr. Mani notes. Early detection and vigilance are important for all women.
Urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, rising obesity, delayed pregnancies, stress, poor sleep, and increasing alcohol consumption are contributing to higher breast cancer rates, Dr. Mani says.
“Prevention is not a heroic act—it’s hard work every day,” he emphasizes. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, prioritizing sleep, and reducing stress are more than wellness goals; they are strategies to lower cancer risk.
Fear remains a major barrier to timely care. Many women hesitate because of concerns about chemotherapy, hair loss, or body changes. However, breast cancer treatment has advanced considerably.
Breast-conserving surgeries, targeted therapies, hormonal treatments, and reconstructive procedures have improved both survival rates and quality of life. Patients can often continue working and managing family responsibilities during treatment. Mental health support, fertility counseling, and body image programs are increasingly integrated into care plans in India.
Dr. Mani concludes by stressing the importance of open conversation. “Breast cancer is not a taboo. It is a medical condition,” he says.
Encouraging open discussions among mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes. “The earlier we normalize these conversations, the sooner women will seek help,” he adds.
