Apollo Hospitals’ proprietary breast cancer risk assessment tool consists of about 7 simple questions. These questions are designed based on the most prevalent factors that contribute to breast cancer risk in the Indian population.
Here is a list of these known risk factors and their correlation with breast cancer:
Age
With age, the risk associated with breast cancer increases. The median age for breast cancer diagnosis globally is 60 years, however, in India, it is a decade earlier at 52 years.
In India, based on Apollo Hospitals’ data, we are seeing at least 25% of cases below 40 years of age.
Reproductive History
- Menstrual History: Women who started menstruating (having periods) younger than age 12 have a higher risk of breast cancer later in life.
- Obstetric History: The age at which women give birth also matters. Women over 30 years during first childbirth have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.
- Menopause: Women who experience menopause later in life (>55 years) have a higher risk of breast cancer than those who experience it earlier.
Family history
Having a first degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer approximately doubles the risk of breast cancer.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Some types of hormone replacement therapy (estrogen) can increase your risk of breast cancer. HRT can also increase your risk of the cancer coming back if you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past.
Obesity
Obese (BMI >30) women have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, especially after menopause.
Alcohol consumption
Drinking even small amounts of alcohol is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer. Alcohol is known to raise estrogen levels in the body, accounting for the increased risk.
Certain risk factors, such as breastfeeding, personal history of non-cancerous breast disease, radiation to the chest, and dense breast tissue, have not been considered in this tool due to insufficient evidence of their significant risk for breast cancer.
Based on your profile, our assessment tool will gauge your risk level with recommendations on the next steps.
Breast Cancer in India
According to Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation 2024 report, breast cancer is the most common cancer among the female population.
The number of cases is projected to go up in India over the years to come, which can make it the cancer capital of the world.
What makes matters worse is that, based on data sourced, the percentage of screenings in India are disastrously low compared to other countries. There is a dire need to ramp up cancer screenings in the country.
Regular and early screening for breast cancer can be life-saving.
Almost 98% of women diagnosed with breast cancer at an earlier stage have a better 5-year survival rate compared to 31% of those diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Women 40 and above should do a mammogram every two years (gold standard for breast cancer screening); those with high risk factors should start early ( < 40 years) and do it annually.
Early detection and lifestyle adjustments can significantly impact outcomes, so regular screenings and consultations with your healthcare provider are crucial.
Know your breast cancer risk today!#BeProHealth!
Sources: Apollo’s Health of the Nation 2024 report, BreastCancer.org, National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK, American Cancer Society
