Breast cancer expert stresses on awareness of mammography

A medical expert has underlined the need for creating awareness among women about mammography test, which she says is the best defence against breast cancer.
"One in 22 women in India is likely to suffer from breast cancer during her life time. Breast cancer incidences rates have increased by more than 50 per cent over the last 25 years. The mammography test is the best defence against it," said Dr Anagha Zope, a breast cancer surgeon and member of the Association of Breast Surgeons of India (ABSI).
"With over 100,000 new cases of breast cancer being diagnosed every year, it has overtaken the incidence of cervical cancer to become the leading cause of cancer related mortality in urban India," Zope said.

Although breast cancer is managed by surgical oncologists, the vast proportion of both benign and malignant breast disease is largely managed by general surgeons across the country who should acquire specialised training in oncoplastic breast surgery, she suggested.
"ABSI is committed to improve the art and science of breast surgery by serving as an advocate for surgeons who seek excellence in the care of patients with breast disease. The association will provide a forum for the exchange of ideas by promoting education and research in collaboration with similar associations across the world," she said.
She also emphasised the need for launching a campaign on creating awareness about breast cancer among women working in corporate and government offices, etc which would play an important role in preventing increase in breast cancer cases in the country.

Zope had come to inaugurate a Isha breast health clinic here, which is being claimed to be the first facility of its kind in Gujarat, headed by only female breast oncoplastic surgeons. The clinic has female technicians and doctors for mammography and provides the safest and most advanced effective evaluation, management, and treatment for breast health, hospital director Dr Divyesh Shukla said.