Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, and women bear a significant share of the burden. According to the World Cancer Research Fund (2022), an estimated 96.65 lakh new cancer cases were diagnosed among women worldwide, with 7.22 lakh cases reported in India.
According to the India Fact Sheet (GLOBOCAN 2022), breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Indian women, accounting for over 1.92 lakh cases or 26.6 per cent of all female cancers.
A 2025 review analysing national registry data identified significant barriers in detection and care, including limited screening access, delayed diagnosis, uneven treatment availability and low awareness about early detection practices.
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With breast cancer continuing to lead cancer diagnoses among Indian women, we spoke to Dr Haridas P Mani, Consultant – Medical Oncology, Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, to understand steps women can take to recognise warning signs early and prioritise timely screening.
Know what is normal for you
Dr Mani says the first and most important step is awareness. “The first thing that I would recommend to every woman is very simple: know your normal,” he explains. Breast cancer often begins quietly and may not cause pain. Symptoms can be subtle- a small lump, thickening of breast tissue, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, persistent redness, or a change in breast shape.
He notes that many women in India dismiss these changes as hormonal fluctuations, especially around menstruation or menopause. This delay in recognising warning signs can lead to late diagnosis.
Don’t treat screening as optional
According to Dr Mani, screening is preventive, not reactive. Many women seek medical attention only when symptoms become obvious. Regular clinical breast examinations and age-appropriate imaging play a crucial role in early detection.
He also addresses a common misconception- family history is not the only risk factor. While women with a family history should be more vigilant, those without one are not immune. “Lack of family history does not mean lack of risk, and that is one of the biggest misconceptions we see in practice,” he says.
Lifestyle matters more than we realise
Urbanisation, sedentary routines, rising obesity rates, delayed pregnancies, stress, and poor sleep patterns are all contributing to increasing cancer rates, Dr Mani explains. Prevention, he emphasises, is a daily commitment.
“I always tell my patients that prevention is not a heroic act, it’s hard work every day,” he says. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, prioritising sleep, and reducing stress are not just wellness goals but cancer-prevention strategies.
He also points to rising alcohol consumption among women as a growing concern. Risk increases progressively with higher alcohol intake. “Women often prioritise everyone else’s health before their own,” he adds. “That must stop.”
Treatment for breast cancer
Fear remains a major barrier to timely care. Many women hesitate due to concerns about chemotherapy, hair loss, or disfigurement. However, Dr Mani explains that breast cancer treatment has evolved significantly.
Breast-conserving surgeries, targeted therapies, hormonal treatments, and reconstructive procedures have improved outcomes and quality of life. Many women are able to continue working and managing family responsibilities during treatment. He adds that “mental health support, fertility counselling, and body image programmes are increasingly becoming part of comprehensive cancer care in India.”
Emotional empowerment saves lives
For his final message, Dr Mani stresses the importance of breaking stigma. “Breast cancer is not a taboo. It is a medical condition,” he says.
Open conversations within families can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes. Encouraging mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends to speak openly about breast health without embarrassment can make a life-saving difference. “The earlier we normalise these conversations, the earlier women will seek help,” he concludes.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS