Andhra Pradesh: Digital mammograms detect breast cancer early

Visakhapatnam: Early detection of breast cancer with a screening mammogram can save many lives, say doctors. Studies have shown that digital mammography detects up to 28% more cancers than film mammography in women aged 50 years and above.

A 28% increase in accuracy means earlier detection, and most importantly, a better chance of a cure. Breast cancer accounted for nearly 16 per cent of the total cancer cases being treated in AP in the year 2021-22, the highest among all the cancer cases.

Due to the increasing cases, the outlay on cancer care is also going northwards with each passing year. As per the data available with Aarogyasri services, there has been an increase in oral, cervical, and breast cancer cases amongst urban women in the state.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in urban India, with one out of every 22 women having a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Experts believe that lifestyle changes could actually reverse this trend.

Besides creating awareness, it becomes imperative for the health department, hospitals, and other key stakeholders of this ecosystem to provide proper diagnosis, staging, and treatment on par with what is offered in best developed countries.

Associate consultant - surgical oncology, Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada, Dr. Dinesh Reddy said that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in urban India. “Early diagnosis increases the probability of the patient leading a normal life. Mammography is the best option as it can detect a lump 5 to 10 years earlier than breast self-examination. It is a quick, painless procedure. The quality of X-ray image using digital mammography is the best as compared to any other method. It enables accurate diagnosis since the size, brightness, and contrast of the image can be changed by the doctor. Repeat testing can be avoided as the digital image can be looked at differently, so this method is more cost effective,” said Dr Dinesh Reddy.

“Given the growing incidence of breast cancer, it is advisable for women aged 40 and above to undergo a mammogram annually. Women with a family history of breast cancer need to undergo a scan after they attain 25 years of age,” said Dr Reddy.