Breast cancer has become the leading cancer among women in India, claiming one life every four minutes. Despite this alarming trend, only 1.6% of women aged 30–69 have ever undergone screening, according to reports.
Dr. Anagha Zope, Lead Consultant and Oncoplastic Surgeon at Apollo Cancer Centres, Ahmedabad, said, “While breast cancer cases in India rose by 11% from 2019 to 2023, death rates have increased by 25%, including in Gujarat. The main reason is that most women seek medical help too late.”
She added that regular breast check-ups starting in the early 20s can detect cancer at Stage Zero, offering a 100% survival rate. To spread awareness, Apollo Cancer Centres launched ‘Check-Olate’, a campaign that encourages women to turn breast self-exams into a monthly habit.
Dr. Shubha Sinha, Consultant Breast Onco Surgeon at Apollo Cancer Centres, noted that 30% of breast cancer cases are preventable through a healthy lifestyle. “Late marriage, not having children, and avoiding breastfeeding increase risks. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and regular exercise can prevent many cases,” she said, urging women to undergo mammography under radiologist supervision.
Survivor Story: ISRO Scientist Fights Back
Rinku Agrawal, Senior Scientist at ISRO’s Ahmedabad centre and part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, shared her inspiring journey of defeating stage-2 cancer diagnosed in 2013. “Cancer is not the end of life; it’s beyond it,” she said. “Even during chemotherapy, I continued working—it gave me strength.”
Agrawal, now a TEDx speaker, emphasized that “cancer patients don’t need sympathy—they need love, care, and real support.”
What is Stage Zero Cancer?
Stage Zero breast cancer, or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is the earliest and most treatable form. It involves abnormal cells confined to the milk ducts and has a 99–100% survival rate if detected early.