Poor sleep and obesity are contributing factors to breast cancer! ICMR issues this warning to women

News Topical, Digital Desk : Breast cancer is the fastest-growing cancer in India. According to an ICMR study, non-vegetarian diets, poor sleep, and obesity are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, which is expected to increase by approximately 5.6 percent annually. This is estimated to result in an increase of approximately 50,000 new cases per year.

Fertility timing, hormonal exposure, and family history also influence breast cancer risk in Indian women, the study said. The study was conducted by the ICMR's National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research in Bengaluru. In 2022, approximately 2.3 million new breast cancer cases were diagnosed worldwide, leading to approximately 670,000 deaths. 

Approximately 221,757 cases of cancer were reported, accounting for nearly a quarter (22.8 percent) of all cancer cases in women. This study was a systematic review of Indian studies that evaluated risk factors for breast cancer in Indian women and were published up to December 22, 2024. A meta-analysis estimated the pooled associations between major risk factors and breast cancer.

Risk of late childbearing

The risk of breast cancer increased progressively with age at marriage . Furthermore, women reporting more than two abortions had a 1.68 times higher risk than women who had no abortions. A significant increase in risk was observed when the first child was born later (over 30 years). The study noted that most studies did not find a significant association between the duration of breastfeeding and the use of oral contraceptives.

Do not ignore these symptoms of breast cancer

• New lump in the breast or armpit
• Swelling or thickening in any part of the breast
• Burning or pitting of the breast skin
• Redness or scaly skin around the nipple or breast
• Inward nipples or pain around the nipples
• Discharge from the nipple other than breast milk , including blood
• Any change in the size or shape of the breasts
• Pain in any part of the breast

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