Indian Solutions for Indian Problems—Association of Breast Surgeons of India (ABSI) Practical Consensus Statement, Recommendations, and Guidelines for the Treatment of Breast Cancer in India

Excerpt

Breast cancer is considered as the most common type of female cancer accountable for nearly 23% of all cancers in women globally [1, 2]. It is believed that global prevalence of breast cancer will cross two million by the year 2030 which will have the major contributors from developing countries [3]. As far as India is concerned, the incidence rates vary across the country with northeast and metropolitan cities (Mumbai, New Delhi) showing the highest rates [4]. The factors which contribute to this variation include demographic differences (education), lifestyle factors (use of tobacco and alcohol), anthropometric factors (adiposity), and reproductive factors (age at first child and number of children) [4]. One of the most common contributors to the high mortality rate is due to the diagnosis at advance stages of the disease which can be due to low awareness, incomplete treatment regimens, and limited access to effective treatment at regional cancer centers [5‐10]. As per National Breast Cancer Foundation, currently available treatments for breast cancer are based on a number of factors including size of tumor in relation to size of breast, result of specific pathology tests (hormone receptors, HER2 receptors), menopause, age, general health conditions, family history, or other risk factors [11]. The treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy along with the involvement of nutrition and physical activity and follow-up care. …