By Admin 
Rising Breast Cancer Cases in Women: Breast cancer cases are increasing rapidly among women in India and this pace is worrying. According to recent data, breast cancer cases are increasing by about 6 percent every year in the country. A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revealed that the main reasons for this are poor sleep, constant stress and increasing obesity around the stomach. The effect of this is that now even young women have started falling prey to this disease.
Dr Shubham Garg told TOI that the risk of breast cancer is no longer limited to just age or family history. Changing lifestyle and metabolic problems are rapidly increasing the risk of this disease, especially among urban women.
Connection of sleep and breast cancer
Doctors say that sleep disturbances and changes in the circadian rhythm of the body can increase the risk of breast cancer. Poor sleep affects the level of melatonin hormone, which disturbs the balance of estrogen. Apart from this, the immune system and DNA repair process also weakens. Lack of sleep alone does not cause cancer, but when it is combined with obesity, stress and a sedentary lifestyle, the risk increases manifold.
Is poor sleep as big a risk as age and genetics?
According to Dr. Garg, age and genetic factors are still the strongest risk factors, but poor sleep is now emerging as an important modifiable risk factor. Many such women are coming forward who have no history of cancer in their family, but due to prolonged lack of sleep, night shifts and excessive stress, they develop breast cancer.
Why is abdominal obesity more dangerous?
Not only weight gain, but the fat accumulated around the stomach is considered more dangerous. This fat increases the levels of inflammatory factors, insulin resistance and estrogen in the body. After menopause, this fat becomes the main source of estrogen in the body, which can promote hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
Can changing lifestyle reduce the risk?
Experts say that improving lifestyle does not completely eliminate the risk of breast cancer, but it can be reduced to a great extent. Good sleep, stress control, regular exercise and reducing abdominal obesity improve hormonal balance and increase the immune strength of the body. This also reduces the risk of cancer recurring after treatment.
Why are cases increasing at a young age?
Breast cancer cases are increasing in women aged 35 to 50 years in India. Its reasons are the same as in western countries, sedentary lifestyle, late motherhood, less breastfeeding, lack of sleep and constant stress. Along with this, late detection of disease is also a big problem in India.
When should screening start?
Doctors are of the opinion that early and personalized screening may be necessary for women who have risk factors like obesity, sleep problems and high stress. In such cases, only after the age of 30, clinical breast exam, ultrasound or, if necessary, mammography can be considered.
Also read: Liver Cancer: When does fatty liver turn into liver cancer? Understand the symptoms before the problem increases
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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