Rising breast cancer incidence and mortality represent a significant and growing threat for the developing world, according to a new global study commissioned by GE Healthcare.

The report is authored by Prof Bengt Jönsson, Professor in Health Economics, Stockholm School of Economics and Economists Association and Dr Nils Wilking from the Economist Association.

“Breast cancer is on the rise across developing nations, mainly due to the increase in life expectancy and lifestyle changes such as women having fewer children, as well as hormonal intervention such as post-menopausal hormonal therapy. In these regions, mortality rates are compounded by the later stage at which the disease is diagnosed, as well as limited access to treatment, presenting a 'ticking time bomb' which health systems and policymakers in these countries need to work hard to defuse,” said Prof. Jönsson.

The study confirms findings from various other studies done on growing incidences of breast cancer cases in India. Breast cancer is now the second most common cancer diagnosed in Indian women after cervical cancer. Studies have also shown that Indian women develop breast cancer roughly a decade earlier than women in Western countries.

With an increasing number of younger women becoming susceptible to the disease, India faces a growing breast cancer epidemic. It is estimated that by 2030 the number of new cases of breast cancer in India will raise from current 115,000 to reach just under 200,000 per year3In common with other developing regions, mortality rates for breast cancer in India are high in comparison to incidence rates.  Poor survival may be largely explained by lack of or limited access to early detection services and treatment.

The alarming number of breast cancer cases in India demands an immediate call for action. Commenting on the need for driving awareness of early detection of cancer, Terri Bresenham, president and CEO, GE Healthcare, South Asia said, “Breast cancer is one of the most deadliest diseases a woman has to battle and in India, the number of cases of breast cancer have increased by 10-15 per cent over the last decade. Stage one detection increases chances of survival to 80 per cent as compared to a Stage three detection where the chances are a mere 20 per cent.

“The need of hour lies in creating awareness on early detection of cancer and shifting the fight from Stage four to Stage one. As a part of our commitment towards building a healthier India, GE is working towards improving access to affordable early detection technology solutions. We are also working towards building awareness and have recently launched the ‘#GECodePink’ campaign, a social media initiative to improve awareness on breast cancer. We want to reach out to as many women as possible and educate them by providing them with access to white papers, quick stats, factoids and tips on self examination.”