Aug 2026· Journal of Human Centered Technology· 0 citations· 18 references
TL;DR
Evidence from recent studies conducted in Pakistan shows the immediate need for specific public health interventions, better genetic counseling infrastructure, and culturally appropriate mass awareness campaigns to lessen the breast cancer burden at a national level.
Abstract
The most reported malignancy in women of Pakistan is breast cancer. About one in nine females suffers from this disease, that contributes largely to mortality. The burden of the disease here is much more than in any other country of South Asia, with such salient features as earlier age of onset and late-stage presentation. This paper aimed to synthesize evidence from recent studies conducted in Pakistan on risk factors for breast cancer. Lifestyle determinants such as obesity, physically inactive or sedentary behavior, and unhealthy dietary patterns prove to be common and strongly associated with high risk. Genetic predisposition, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, plays a key role in increasing susceptibility among high-risk women. Additionally, reproductive factors such as early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity, and limited breastfeeding have been recognized as important contributors. In addition to urban pollution and dietary contaminants, environmental exposure also increases the risk; vitamin D deficiency could compound the disease further. Diagnosis gets late͏ and results get worse due to socioeconomic͏ and cultural barriers, low awareness, stigma, and low access to screening facilities. When compared with the regional population and even the global population, it can be seen that Pakistani women face some unique sociocultural challenges that make them more vulnerable. This review article demonstrates the immediate need for specific public health interventions, better genetic counseling infrastructure, and culturally appropriate mass awareness campaigns to lessen the breast cancer burden at a national level. Identifying key risk factors and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies can improve prevention strategies and facilitate early detection.
Several reproductive factors are significantly associated with breast cancer risk among women in Central India and promotion of breastfeeding and identification of women with adverse reproductive profiles may facilitate early screening and risk reduction strategies.
Sriyansh Jain, R. Arjariya, Sunil Kumar Saxena et al.· Indian Journal of Pharmaceut...· 0 citations
The results of the study indicated that lifestyle, environmental, and familial history factors did not have a significant impact on the development of breast cancer among the participants, as the associated probability values were greater than the level of significance for all the three factors.
Anita Yemi-Odae Nelson, Cecilia James Sunday, Lucy E. Afahanam et al.· Discover Public Health· 0 citations
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer affecting women globally and is the leading cause of cancer death in 103 countries, including India. Recent studies have shown an upsurge in the incidence of breast BC in young Indian women. It is marked by aggressive histological grade, unfavorable hormone status, and higher death rate. The entire process of screening and treatment of young breast cancer (YBC) patients differs from that of postmenopausal BC patients. Relevant issues like fertility preservation, body image reconstruction, and many other psycho-social issues have to be kept in mind while treating YBC so that the quality of life is maintained post-treatment. Cancer in young women is devastating, as they are working either as breadwinners or homemakers supporting their families. The implications are massive as it shatters them financially, socially, and physically. Though Odisha is a large state with a population of 46.446 million, the Population-based Cancer Registry was established in 2022. So, in the absence of properly compiled data, the oncologists' perceptions can help to comprehend the complete picture of the clinical presentation of BC and the challenges in management in the state of Odisha.
An online questionnaire was given to 40 Oncologists prctising in the state of Odisha, India. The questionnaire had five aspects: first, the demographic status of the respondents; second, the screening, treatment, and planning strategy; third, post-operative issues; fourth, psycho- social issues; and the last part was the recommendation by the oncologists to improve the status of premenopausal women suffering from BC.
The questionnaire survey considered 30-45 years as the age group of young women BC patients. About 68% oncologists confirmed that breast was the most common type of cancer seen in young Indian women, and the maximum number of young women were in American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage 2 at the time of diagnosis. Late marriage and nulliparity were the most common risk factors associated with BC in young women. Surprisingly, only 10-30% patients opt for Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS), and 30-60% patients are given Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the most preferred imaging for YBC patients. Most of the doctors recommend gene testing only when the disease is familial. Only 36.4% oncologists said that they always recommend fertility preservation for YBC patients, and egg and embryo freezing was the most preferred method. Early menopause was the most common adverse effect seen post-treatment. The most common psychosocial issue that they observed in young patients was fear of disease recurrence, followed by depression due to a changed body image. Oncologists were of the view that screening healthy individuals who are at high risk could reduce the incidence of BC in young women of India.
Despite the widespread availability of modern methods of diagnosis and treatment for BC, YBC patients are treated in the traditional way in the majority of cases. It is necessary that practices that are more sensitive to biological, physiological, and psycho-social issues of patients should be followed, which would ultimately improve the survival and quality of life of YBC patients. Further, the treatment should be more patient-centric, and more emphasis should be given on screening and awareness programs to reduce the early onset of the disease.
Sabyasachi Parida, Pragyan Roy· Asian Journal of Oncology· 0 citations
Evidence shows that the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors is a key determinant of breast carcinogenesis, underscoring the importance of understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms to improve prevention and care strategies.
Ana Paula Borges da Silva, Taynara de Almeida Campos, Juliano Rodrigues Coimbra et al.· Brazilian Journal of Health...· 0 citations
BACKGROUND
Female first-degree relatives of women diagnosed with breast cancer have higher risk of developing the disease. This study aims to estimate the awareness, heightened risk perception, and screening practices in this high-risk population of women.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was undertaken from August 2023 to January 2024 in a tertiary cancer centre of Eastern India. First-degree female relatives of breast cancer patients, aged ≥18 years, who provided informed consent, were interviewed face-to-face using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire, followed by data analysis.
RESULTS
Among 307 women enrolled, 109 (35.5%) participants perceived being at higher risk for developing breast cancer. While breast lump was the most commonly (93.8%) known warning sign, few acknowledged other signs. Only 42.3% and 26.7% respectively, knew that previous breast cancer diagnosis and having blood relation with the patient were known risk factors. Most were oblivious to other potential risks. Despite wide agreement (92.8%) on benefits of early detection, only 26.7% believed screening to be essential. Only 120 (39.1%) participants had ever performed a breast self-examination [BSE] (regular 5.9%) and 15 (4.9%) had ever undergone a clinical breast examination [CBE] (regular 0.3%). Only 32 (10.4%) had heard of mammography, and only 3 (0.9%) had ever undergone mammography. Logistic regression analysis predicted the likelihood of screening practices. Regarding diagnosis, only 18.6% knew that biopsy was the best method for confirmation. Regarding treatment, the majority were informed about chemotherapy (91.86%), surgery (91.2%) and radiotherapy (64.2%) but few knew about hormonal therapy (14%) and targeted therapy (0.98%). Composite awareness score (0-37) was calculated where only 3.3% were high scores (25-37), mostly urban graduates.
CONCLUSION
Our study exposes the lack of awareness regarding breast cancer risks and prevention among this high-risk group of Indian women. Focused interventions in health policy need to be strategized to mitigate this problem.
Pratibha Kole, A. Basu, Suman Dhabal· Asian Pacific Journal of Can...· 0 citations
Insulin resistance, particularly insulin resistance as reflected by elevated HOMA-IR, is strongly associated with breast cancer in premenopausal women and underscores the importance of early identification and management of metabolic abnormalities as potential strategies for breast cancer risk reduction and prognostication in premenopausal females.
S. Priya, Vaibhav Shukla, Ankur Verma· Indian Journal of Medical Sp...· 0 citations
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