Alarming Rise in Breast Cancer Among Young Indian Women: Doctor Warns of Early Risks

A well-known cancer surgeon, Dr. Sudipto De, has raised concern about the increasing number of young women in India being diagnosed with breast cancer. In a recent post, he revealed that nearly 15–20% of all breast cancer cases in India occur in women under the age of 40, and the average age of diagnosis is just 45 years.

Dr. De, who works at the Metro Heart Institute with Multispecialty in Faridabad, shared the message on social media, urging women to be more aware of early signs and risk factors. He said that breast cancer is no longer a disease seen only in women above 50 — younger women in their 20s and 30s are now also being affected.

Young Women Facing a Growing Threat

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer caused about 670,000 deaths worldwide in 2022. The disease remains one of the leading causes of death among women globally.

Dr. De said that the trend in India is worrying. He explained that more women are being diagnosed at a younger age due to several factors — including genetic mutations, unhealthy lifestyles, and delayed motherhood.

He said, “Even young women in their 30s can get breast cancer. Awareness can save lives.”

Why Are Cases Rising Among Young Women?

Dr. De pointed out that a mix of genetic and lifestyle factors are behind this growing problem.

He explained that mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and unhealthy habits like lack of exercise, obesity, alcohol use, and constant stress can increase the risk.

He also mentioned that delayed marriage and childbirth, as well as not breastfeeding, can raise a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer.

“Breast cancer in young women is rising — even in their 20s and 30s,” Dr. De said. “Almost one in five cases in India are now in women below 40.”

Early Detection Can Save Lives

While the rise in young cases is alarming, Dr. De shared that the good news is early detection works. He said that if women get regular screenings and pay attention to body changes, doctors can detect the disease early and start strong treatment in time.

He advised women to take three key steps:

Know your body – Pay attention to any new lumps, swelling, or changes.

Check family history – If someone in your family has had breast or ovarian cancer, talk to a doctor about genetic testing.

Live healthy – Stay active, eat well, avoid alcohol and smoking, and get regular medical check-ups.

Dr. De said, “If breast cancer is found early, even the aggressive ones in young women can be treated and cured. Early detection saves lives.”

Why Early Screening Is Important

Many people believe that breast cancer only happens to older women, but Dr. De says this is no longer true in India. He explained that young women should start learning about breast self-exams and should not ignore changes like pain, swelling, or unusual discharge.

He also said that mammograms and ultrasound tests can help find cancer before symptoms appear. In high-risk women — those with a family history or genetic risk — doctors might recommend screening earlier than the usual age.

He warned, “Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Screening helps us find breast cancer early, and early treatment gives the best results.”

Lifestyle Change Can Lower the Risk

Experts say that some simple lifestyle changes can help lower breast cancer risk. These include:

Maintaining a healthy weight

Regular physical exercise

Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Avoiding processed food, alcohol, and smoking

Reducing stress through yoga or meditation

Dr. De also said that breastfeeding can protect mothers by reducing the amount of estrogen in the body, a hormone linked to breast cancer.

A Message of Awareness and Hope

Dr. De’s message has reached thousands online, especially young women who are becoming more aware of the disease. His goal is to break the myth that breast cancer happens only to older women and to encourage early check-ups.

“Know your risk, get screening done, and do not ignore any new changes,” he said. “Even if you are young, be alert. Breast cancer is treatable when caught early.”

The doctor’s message reminds everyone that awareness and prevention are the best tools in the fight against cancer.