77 per cent of women in city shy away from breast cancer screening: Study

Chennai

Breast cancer is currently one of the most common cancers. According to a National Survey conducted by Future Generali India Life Insurance Company (FGILI), over 80 per cent of the women are aware of the cancer and screening for the same continues to be an issue as women tend to shy away from it.

Stating that women refuse to get themselves diagnosed in Tamil Nadu, Dr Prasanna K, an Oncologist, said, “Doctors and activists have been making efforts to create awareness on the symptoms of breast cancer. However, worried about what will happen, many women refrain from approaching doctors – despite having the symptoms.”

The survey found that 77 per cent women in Chennai alone shy away from screening for breast cancer.  While the study found that one out of three women felt that they were at risk for breast cancer, doctors say that women continue to come forward only when the cancer has reached its advanced stage.

As some breast cancer lesions or lumps are not painful, they are ignored by women in the initial stages. “Women do not approach doctors because of the stigma attached to it, financial constraints and a phobia or anxiety over the test outcome,” he said. He further said that there have been instances where women have said that they were not aware of a screening process or the age for the same. The survey had revealed that two out of three women were unaware of the simple self-examination that can help them detect the disease at an early stage.

While 63 per cent of the respondents were unaware of the mammography as a screening test for breast cancer, a whopping 79 per cent did not have the slightest idea about clinical breast examination.

Dr Priya S, an Oncologist said that women tend to feel uncomfortable to talk about breast cancer. “They do not like discussing the disease with their relatives. In fact, they also urge the doctors to refrain from mentioning the cases to anyone.”

Vishal Gupta, Co-founder and CEO of Momspresso said, “Our objective to conduct the first-of-its kind survey was to empowering women with knowledge and fostering a conversation with women on breast cancer awareness and symptoms.

Through the study we found out that the awareness around breast cancer treatments and costs is largely scattered. Women across the country have limited knowledge about what the disease entails in terms of screening and treatment.”