Mammography Tests on a Low Key in India
Posted on May 22, 2008 in Current Affairs by Danteshwari
The X-ray examination of breasts to check for cancer among women, known as screening mammography, is very low in India. World Health Organization (WHO) statistics (2008) claim that less than 5 % of women between the ages of 50-69 years underwent this test between 2000 and 2003. Also, as significant evidence indicates that mammography screening among women in this age group did reduce mortality from breast cancer by 15 to 25%.
The statistics released at the World Health Assembly in Geneva also state that 7.4 million people died of cancer in 2004. Further predictions are that 83.2 million more people would die of cancer by 2015. Also, among women breast cancer was a common occurrence of cancer mortality and accounts to 16% of deaths by cancer, globally.
It was also observed screening reduced the mortality rate in the case of breast cancer, along with cervical, colorectal and oral cancers. Globally, less than a quarter of women got themselves examined for breast cancer. Screening is low in the lower income group of countries. The prevalence of mammograms varied according to wealth.
In India, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. One out of 26 women are expected to be suffering from breast cancer in a span of a lifetime.
Dr.Ramesh Sarin, who is a surgical oncologist at Indraprashtha Apollo Hospital claims that even around 10% of women aging 40 years never got mammography done. Also, 50% of breast cancer cases were detected late. Cost also has to be taken into consideration. A mammography in a
private hospital would cost around Rs. 2,000.
Early detection of cancer reduces the rate of mortality by 30%. If it is detected in stage 1, then the survival rate is 80%. If detected in stage 3, then the survival rate is 30%. Cancer can spread within a period of 6 months from stage 1 to stage 3.
Dr. Sidharth Sahni, who is a breast cancer specialist at Artemis Health Institute is of the view that women had a mammography done in case there was a family history of breast cancer. In case the results are positive, then women do not undergo another mammography for the next five years. He feels that women should get a mammography done every year, so that the slight indication of breast cancer can be taken note of. Cancer can be treated if detected early.
Dr. Partha Mukhopadhyay, an oncologist at SMH Curie Cancer Centre feels that India is faced with acute shortage of mammography machines. These are mostly available in major cities. There is lack of awareness among women that after 50 years of age they should get a mammography done. There is also a shortage of women oncologists and radiologists to whom a patient can share her inner thoughts and feelings about the breast cancer.
Source : TOI May 22nd, 2008
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