- Recent studies show only 1.3 percent of Indian women over 45 undergo breast cancer screening
- India has one of the lowest breast cancer screening rates in the world
- Experts are demanding urgent policy changes and public campaigns to address the issue
A recent survey showing that only 1.3 percent of women aged 45 years and above in India get breast cancer screening has urged experts to suggest immediate policy changes, more awareness drives, and better healthcare infrastructure to prod more women to test.
A study in BMC Public Health reports India's breast cancer screening rates to be the lowest in the world. While the US and most of Europe have screening rates in excess of 80 percent, India trails behind—indeed, even behind many African countries, where they reach 4.5 percent. In India, Kerala leads the way with a meager 4.5 percent, followed by Karnataka (2.9 percent) and Maharashtra (2.05 percent). Delhi is astounding with a less than 1 percent screening rate.
Experts blame these low rates on a mix of poor information, social stigma, limited access to diagnostic centers, and deep-seated myths about mammography. The vast majority of women are unaware that early detection dramatically enhances survival—over 90 percent in some cases—and thus frequent screening is vital.
Dr. Ashish Gupta, Head of Medical Oncology at Amerix Cancer Hospital, cites misinformation and cultural taboo as being among the major hurdles. "Fear, societal pressure and lack of education deter women from undertaking timely tests, many times resulting in a late-stage diagnosis," he said. In rural India, the lack of diagnostic centers within accessible distance makes it even more difficult as the cost and time of travel also become insurmountable hurdles.
Misconceptions about the safety and pain of mammograms also keep women away. Dr. Ashish stressed the need for prompt interventions: mass campaigns, mobile vans for remote areas, and free screening programs sponsored by the government to remove economic impediments. He also said that grassroots work is required—coalitions with local leaders, NGOs, and social opinion leaders might be able to reverse stigma and integrate screenings into regular life.
Dr. Shubham Garg, Surgical Oncology Director of Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Delhi, suggested the inclusion of breast health education at schools. Training young girls on self-examination can create long-term awareness and encourage them to get mammograms after the age of 45. He also suggested including cancer screening in corporate health packages.
To justify the same, Dr. Ashish quoted that incorporation of mammograms in corporate health packages can motivate working women to take care of themselves. Dr. Rahul Bhargava, a senior oncologist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, seconded that education is the key to increasing screening levels. "It's time to act. Women's health must be a national priority. No woman should die from a curable disease if detected early," he added.
