World Cancer Day 2026: World Cancer Day on February 4, 2026, falls under the theme “United by Unique”, focusing on early detection and personalized cancer care to save precious lives. Globally, breast cancer is one of the leading causes for deaths among women. Therefore, proactive breast cancer screening is of paramount importance, especially in a country like India where late diagnoses are common.
The count of breast cancer cases in the country has surged by more than 20 percent in the last decade. However, early intervention could go a long way to boost survival rates to 90 percent or more.
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World Cancer Day 2026-Why Focus on Breast Cancer Early Detection?
In early states, the progression of breast cancer often happens silently and without any noticeable symptoms until advanced. The common signs of breast cancer progression include lumps in the breasts, discharge from the nipples or changes in breast skin.
Proactive breast cancer tests can be performed to detect abnormalities like cancerous tumours or calcifications before symptoms. This allows timely breast cancer treatment with less invasive options such as targeted therapy or surgery. Several oncologists recommend that every girl and women, above the age of 15 years, should perform regular, self-assessed breast screening, especially those with family history or genetic markers like BRCA1/2.
Tests To Proactively Identify Breast Cancer
Test 1: Mammogram – The Gold Standard Screening
Mammogram is the most basic test for breast cancer. This low-dose, X-rat imaging can be used to detect breast tumours or micro-calcifications up to 2 years before palpation.
Performed in less than 15 minutes, mammogram involves compressing the breast between plates for clear and concise images. False positives can be minimized by relying on digital mammography with tomosynthesis (3D). Additionally, ultrasound may be recommended for dense breasts that are common in Indian women.
Test 2: Breast Ultrasound – Ideal for Dense Tissue Detection
Known for its real-time imaging capabilities, breast ultrasound helps in differentiating solid masses from cysts, identifying the signs of cancerous progression such as irregular growths that may remain invisible by mammograms in dense breasts. This non-invasive and radiation-free form of cancer identification is an excellent choice for women of or above the age of 30, and high-risk individuals.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.