October 29, 2025

Prayagraj is buzzing with energy as health officials take on the tough battle against breast cancer! Early detection is their weapon to save women's lives. Dr Vivek Pandey, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at MLN Medical College & SRN Hospital, told TOI, “Breast cancer has now become the most common cancer among women worldwide.” You heard it right! The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a shocking 2.3 million new breast cancer cases in 2020 alone, with numbers climbing 3-4% every year. While countries with better health systems catch the disease early and save more lives, places like India face challenges due to late diagnosis and few screening centers. Dr Pandey shared a worrying trend about India’s breast cancer rise. The ICMR–National Cancer Registry Programme says 2.05 lakh new cases and 1.08 lakh deaths hit India in 2024. Just two years earlier, in 2022, there were 1.90 lakh cases and over 1 lakh deaths. The numbers keep growing year after year—1.62 lakh cases in 2018, 1.70 lakh in 2019, and 1.87 lakh in 2020. What’s more, in Uttar Pradesh, the fight is tougher. According to NFHS-5 (2019–21) data, a tiny 0.4% of women aged 30 to 49 have ever had a breast cancer screening! Uttar Pradesh expects over 2.1 lakh new cancer cases by 2025. To tackle this, Prayagraj recently hosted a free cancer screening camp as part of Pink October, the global breast cancer awareness month. A fantastic 325 women got screened, and several early breast lumps were found. Early diagnosis means better chances, and Dr Pandey urges, “Every woman should make monthly breast self-examination a routine habit.” For women above 40, he advises getting a mammogram every two years. He also added some golden health tips: “A balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and encouraging breastfeeding significantly reduce risk.” If you spot any lump, nipple discharge, or skin changes on your breast, don’t wait! Rush to a doctor immediately. The health team reminds everyone that Pink October is not just a month; it’s a beacon to raise awareness, educate, and support those fighting breast cancer. Ladies, the message is clear — get checked, stay healthy, and beat breast cancer before it beats you!

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Tags: Breast cancer, Cancer awareness, Women health, Prayagraj, Screening, Breast cancer detection,