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In a world where women are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes across industries, one critical aspect often takes a backseat - their own health. As non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular ailments, respiratory issues, diabetes, dementia, and cancers continue to rise alarmingly among women, it has become imperative for them to place their health and well-being at the forefront.
A particularly pressing concern is breast cancer which has emerged as a critical global health crisis calling for immediate intervention. According to Cancer.org, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Furthermore, alarming statistics from the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc reveal the urgency for early detection and advanced diagnosis of the breast cancer.
With approximately 297,790 women and 2,800 men expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the USA in 2023, it is crucial to employ effective screening tests to detect the disease at its earliest stage.
India's statistics also reveal a grim reality with breast cancer survival rates lagging behind Western countries. This can be attributed to factors such as advanced disease stage, delayed treatment initiation, and inadequate care.
According to Globocan Data 2020, breast cancer in India accounted for 13.5 per cent of all cancer cases and 10.6 per cent of all cancer-related deaths. Additionally, the incidence of new breast cancer cases among Indian women was recorded at 26.3 per cent in 2020.
Lack of awareness hinders women from seeking timely medical attention
Lack of awareness about breast cancer has contributed to the rise in breast cancer deaths among women. Furthermore, disregarding the significance of early detection remains the primary cause of fatal outcomes. Hence, early detection and timely diagnosis are crucial factors that can bring about a transformative shift in breast cancer care.
Empowering women with information about breast health, encouraging regular check-ups, and promoting timely screenings can play a crucial role in dispelling the fear and stigma often linked to breast cancer. A transformative shift can occur in the fight against breast cancer when women embrace their role as informed advocates for their health.
Technological advances redefining breast cancer diagnosis
Medical professionals are tapping into the power of cutting-edge imaging techniques, such as digital mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These advanced tools help detect even the most delicate abnormalities with precision. These advancements have simplified breast screening besides improving the prognosis and survival rates for breast cancer patients.
- At the forefront of breast cancer detection, mammography stands as the gold standard for screening healthy individuals. Recent advancements have elevated this technique to new heights. Digital mammography, along with tomosynthesis or 3D mammography, holds the potential to significantly improve the detection of small cancers while reducing the need for repeated tests. These advanced systems boast features like low noise, minimal radiation doses, dual-mode tomosynthesis and comfort-enhancing functions, elevating both accuracy and patient experience.
- Bone densitometers, crucial for identifying potential breast cancer metastasis to bones, have embraced the game-changing 2D Fan-Beam technology. This innovation streamlines examinations, ensuring the identification of any potential indications of bone metastasis.
- Breast ultrasound enriches the diagnostic arsenal by assisting in identifying breast abnormalities. This empowers healthcare professionals to accurately detect and assess abnormalities within the breast tissue.
Sophisticated diagnostic technologies are ushering in a new era of precision and hope in the battle against breast cancer. These transformative advances not only redefine diagnosis but also pave the way for more personalised and effective treatment approaches. Fujifilm India is leading the charge in this endeavour with its innovative mammography solutions such as a Digital Mammography system, Digital Mammography CAD, a versatile workstation for multi-modality image diagnosis, and an innovative FCR reader with Dual Side Reading technology. Through the integration of these cutting-edge tools, it aims to forge a path toward improved outcomes and a more optimistic future in the ongoing battle against breast cancer.
Wrapping up
While breast cancer care has made remarkable technological strides, its true effectiveness will only be realised once we shatter the prevailing stigma. To truly make a difference, cancer care must transcend the purely physical aspects and encompass the emotional realm. It is essential to confront the feelings of fear, shame, and guilt that women often grapple with, as these emotions can significantly impede their ability to seek and receive care. Addressing these deeply rooted concerns is crucial, as they hold the power to influence not only access to treatment but also the ultimate prospects of survival.
Breast cancer identified at an early stage dramatically increases survival rates and significantly lowers the physical, emotional, and financial burden of treatment. Yet a significant proportion of women are still diagnosed at advanced stages.
The reasons vary across geographies but often include a lack of awareness, limited screening infrastructure, social stigma, and fear of discomfort.
Data from population-based cancer registries analysed by the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, Bengaluru, highlights the scale of the challenge. An analysis of approximately 2.1 lakh breast cancer cases across 28 population-based cancer registries in India showed that only about 30 per cent of cases were detected at a local stage. Nearly 59 per cent were diagnosed at the regional stage, when the cancer had already spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues, while around 11 per cent were identified at distant metastatic or advanced stages. This reality highlights the urgent need to move screening closer to women, rather than expecting women to navigate complex healthcare systems on their own.
Therefore, the path forward entails empowering women with knowledge, encouraging proactive engagement, and capitalising on the technological advancements in breast cancer screening. By embracing these advancements, we can make significant strides in reducing breast cancer mortality rates across the globe, besides improving the survival rates of those affected.
(Author is Founder Managing Director, Trusted Medical Partner unit of HariOam Motherfather)>
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