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Hyderabad has emerged as the city with the highest rate of breast cancer in India, with 54 cases per 100,000 women, according to a recent nationwide study—underscoring significant public health concerns related to urban lifestyles and changing disease patterns. The study, published in JAMA Open Network by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under its National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), highlights that breast cancer is now the most common cancer among Indian women, with an estimated 2.38 lakh new cases nationally in 2024.
Key Findings and Regional Comparison
The National Cancer Registry Programme found Hyderabad leading the country in breast cancer rates, followed by Bengaluru with 46.7 cases per 100,000 women. Other major South Indian cities also rank high, including Chennai (45.4), Alappuzha (42.2), and Thiruvananthapuram (40.7), reflecting a troubling regional pattern. The study used age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIR) which allow for more reliable comparison across populations by accounting for age distribution differences.
According to Dr. Mukta Srinivasulu, senior oncologist at Hyderabad’s MNJ Cancer Hospital, the number of breast cancer cases has increased sharply, with around 120 to 130 new patients monthly, compared to 70-75 cases monthly previously—a nearly doubling of new diagnoses. Private hospitals and major public centers like Osmania, Gandhi Hospital, and Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences are also reporting rising patient numbers.
Lifestyle and Biological Risk Factors
Experts attribute this surge primarily to urban lifestyle factors—obesity, sedentary behavior, high alcohol consumption, and reproductive trends such as early menarche, late menopause, delayed childbirth, and reduced breastfeeding practices. These factors are known to increase breast cancer risks by influencing hormone levels and promoting carcinogenesis.
Dr. Nivalika Rajamani, senior oncologist at a private hospital, further grounds this explanation in diabetes prevalence, noting Hyderabad ranks fourth among Indian cities for diabetes cases, which is epidemiologically linked to breast cancer. She highlights easy access to ultra-processed and adulterated foods, compounding metabolic health risks in urban populations. Rural areas still report higher cervical cancer rates, but the urban shift toward breast cancer dominance signals a changing cancer landscape shaped by modern lifestyle.
Implications for Public Health and Surveillance
The rise in breast cancer cases in Hyderabad and other urban centers calls for urgent strengthening of cancer surveillance and control. Currently, cancer is not a notifiable disease in Telangana, leading to under-reporting and gaps in data. Most cancer case registration depends on large hospitals like MNJ and NIMS. Telangana government plans to make cancer notifiable in the near future, aiming to improve data accuracy, patient follow-up, and policy planning.
Breast cancer’s increasing burden stresses the need for public health interventions focused on lifestyle modification: promoting physical activity, healthy diets, reducing alcohol consumption, and encouraging early detection through screening programs. Public awareness campaigns can also highlight modifiable risks and reinforce the importance of breastfeeding and timely childbearing decisions.
Expert Perspectives and Future Directions
Dr. Srinivasulu stresses the challenges in pinpointing exact causes due to similar urban lifestyles across cities. “We see a clear rise, but dissecting all contributing factors will require more research,” she notes. Meanwhile, Dr. Rajamani calls for integrated approaches addressing diabetes, nutrition, and cancer risk holistically.
While these findings paint a clear indicator of rising breast cancer risk linked to urbanization, limitations exist. The incomplete cancer registry and potential reporting bias mean actual incidence might be higher. Also, socioeconomic and environmental factors need further study for targeted interventions.
What This Means for Readers
For women and health-conscious individuals, these findings underline the importance of lifestyle choices in cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, moderating alcohol intake, breastfeeding if possible, and seeking regular medical check-ups can help reduce breast cancer risk. Awareness of symptoms like breast lumps and prompt consultations can improve early diagnosis and outcomes.
The growing cancer burden in Indian cities mirrors global trends where lifestyle changes accompany urban development. This underscores the critical role of preventive healthcare and robust surveillance systems to stem rising disease rates and improve population health.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
References:
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/brain-damage-alert-even-one-milkshake-can-damage-the-brain-in-a-matter-of-hours/articleshow/123756354.cms
