India struggles with low breast cancer screening – study
India ranks among the countries with the poorest breast cancer screening coverage, with only 1.3% of women aged 45 and older undergoing mammograms, according to a new study in BMC Public Health. This figure falls far below the global average and trails even several African nations, where screening rates can reach 4.5%. In comparison, over 80% of women in the US and parts of Europe participate in regular screenings.
Within India, Kerala shows the highest rate at 4.5%, followed by Karnataka and Maharashtra, but even these numbers remain critically low. Delhi reports the lowest rate—under 1%. Health experts attribute this widespread neglect to a mix of misinformation, stigma, and a lack of infrastructure.
Dr. Ashish Gupta, Chief of Medical Oncology at Amerix Cancer Hospital, pointed out that many women avoid screenings due to fear, social pressures, and misconceptions about the procedure. He noted that late-stage diagnosis is often the result, drastically reducing survival chances. In rural regions, the problem worsens as access to diagnostic facilities is limited, and traveling for care can be costly and time-consuming. Misunderstandings around mammography—such as fears about pain or radiation—also discourage participation.
To address these barriers, experts are urging immediate action. They recommend national awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of early detection, along with the rollout of mobile screening units in remote and underserved areas. Public health programs that offer free mammograms could further reduce financial obstacles.
Dr. Gupta explained the importance of combining education with accessible services, suggesting that community involvement—through local leaders, nonprofits, and social influencers—can help break the cultural resistance surrounding cancer screening.
Dr. Shubham Garg, head of surgical oncology at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, advocated for introducing breast health education in schools. Teaching young girls how to perform self-exams, he said, could encourage proactive health habits later in life. He also recommended that workplaces include routine cancer screenings in their wellness programs to support early detection among working women.
Dr. Gupta agreed that corporate health check-ups could play a significant role in boosting screening rates.
Dr. Rahul Bhargava of Fortis Memorial Research Institute opined that spreading awareness is the first and most critical step. He called for urgent, nationwide initiatives to prioritize women’s health and prevent avoidable deaths from a disease that is highly treatable when caught early.
Category: Community
