25 August,2026 02:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika Gondhalekar
The hospital has received 713 cases of breast cancer in just the first seven months of this year. Representational pic
Breast cancer is increasingly becoming a cause for concern among women, with cases witnessing a sharp rise globally, nationally, and locally. The Global Burden of Diseases Study Breast Cancer Collaborators published in âThe Lancet Oncology' concluded that the cases of breast cancer in India have more than doubled in the past three decades, from 13 cases per one lakh population in 1990 to 29.4 cases per one lakh population in 2023. On the other hand, closer to home, Cama and Albless Hospital, the city's only government hospital dedicated exclusively to women, has recorded a 68 per cent increase in breast cancer cases in just three years, according to its latest annual report released last month.
"This number is only rising. We have already received 713 cases of breast cancer in just the first seven months of this year. Of course, the awareness is helping, and more women are coming for the screening. However, it's not enough, as even today, women do not know about the factors that lead to breast cancer and have no idea about several doable preventive measures that can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Even those who have reached an awareness stage of âwe should get checked after the age of 35 every year' are not aware of the factors and preventive measures," said Dr Tushar Palave, Vice-Dean, Cama and Albless Hospital.
Doctors and cancer specialists point to a combination of lifestyle and environmental factors associated with breast cancer risk, with rising obesity, prolonged exposure to pollution and delayed childbirth among the prominent factors.
A] Obesity and breast cancer
"Obesity, particularly after menopause, can increase the amount of estrogen produced in the body. Higher and prolonged exposure to estrogen can stimulate breast cells to divide more frequently. With repeated cell division, there is a greater opportunity for abnormal changes or DNA damage to occur, which contributes to the development of cancer," said Dr Sandip Bipte, breast onco surgery, Zynova Shalby Hospital.
Dr Atul Narayankar, medical oncologist at M|O|C Cancer Care, said obesity is also linked to persistent, low-grade inflammation in the body.
"As fat cells enlarge, along with the immune cells present in adipose tissue, they release inflammatory substances known as cytokines. This inflammatory environment can increase cellular stress and may contribute to biological processes involved in the development of tumours. Another pathway involves insulin. Excess body fat can cause insulin resistance, prompting the body to produce higher levels of circulating insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). These hormones and growth signals can encourage cells to multiply while reducing programmed cell death, thereby creating conditions that allow abnormal cells to survive and proliferate more easily," he said.
B] Air pollution and breast cancer
Dr Aravind Badiger said long-term exposure to air pollution, particularly PM2.5, may trigger oxidative stress, inflammation and DNA damage, potentially contributing to the development of breast cancer, though the link is still being studied.
"The evidence linking air pollution specifically with breast cancer is still evolving and is not as established as its link with lung cancer. However, there is increasing scientific interest in the possible role of long-term exposure to fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. Components of air pollution can induce oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, and some pollutants may be endocrine disrupting or genotoxic. Such mechanisms may affect tissues other than the lung. Air pollution can expose the body to fine particulate matter and other harmful chemicals that can cause oxidative stress and inflammation. Prolonged exposure can increase the production of free radicals, which can damage DNA and cells," explained Dr Aravind Badiger, PHD-Pharmacy, researcher and technical director, BDR Pharmaceuticals International Pvt Ltd - a firm involved in manufacturing medicines for cancer treatment.
"When DNA damage occurs repeatedly over a long period, it may contribute to the process through which healthy cells become cancerous," he added.
C] Late childbirth and breast cancer
"Late childbirth can influence breast cancer risk mainly because of the cumulative hormonal exposure of breast tissue before the first full-term pregnancy. During each menstrual cycle, breast cells are exposed to estrogen and progesterone, which stimulate them to grow and divide. A full-term pregnancy causes breast cells to undergo maturation and differentiation, making them less susceptible to some types of cancer-causing changes. When the first full-term pregnancy occurs later, breast tissue remains in its relatively immature state for a longer period and experiences more menstrual cycles and hormonal stimulation before this maturation takes place. This is one reason why a later age at first full-term pregnancy is considered a breast cancer risk factor," explained Dr Bipte.
"Women should be familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts and should not ignore any new lump, nipple discharge, nipple retraction, skin changes, or any other alteration in the breast. Women should undergo age-appropriate screening, while those who have a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer may require more intensive surveillance. Apart from this, regular exercise, avoiding continuous exposure to pollution, non-consumption of alcohol and tobacco, and a healthy and timely diet do wonders in preventing the risk of breast cancer," Dr Fahad Afzal, consultant oncologist, Saifee Hospital, suggested.
(Breast cancer cases recorded at Cama and Albless Hospital)
2023 - 828
2024 - 1189
2025 - 1393
