In India, there is a rapid increase in the number of breast cancer patients among women and this matter is becoming a serious concern for health experts. According to recent statistics, the number of breast cancer patients in the country is increasing by about 6 percent every year. A study associated with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revealed that not only age or family history are responsible for this increase, but poor sleep, constant mental stress and increased fat around the belly are also important factors. The result of this is that now the risk of this disease is increasing among young women.
Speaking to Times of India, Dr. Shubham Garg said the risk of breast cancer is no longer limited to age or genetic factors. Changing lifestyles, irregular routines and metabolic problems are rapidly increasing the risk of this disease. This risk is more visible especially among women in urban areas. Working late hours, night shifts, increased screen time and constant stress have become the hallmarks of today’s lifestyle.
Experts say there is a correlation between sleep and breast cancer. Lack of sleep or constant changes in sleep timing disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm. This disrupts the balance of the hormone melatonin and has a direct effect on the hormone estrogen. An imbalance of estrogen can increase the risk of breast cancer. In addition, poor sleep weakens the immune system and slows down the DNA repair process. Although lack of sleep alone is not the only cause of cancer, if it is combined with obesity, stress and inactive lifestyle, the risk increases manifold.
Dr. According to Garg, age and genetic factors are still the strongest risk factors. However, poor sleep is now emerging as an important ‘modifiable risk factor’. In many women with no family history of cancer, chronic sleep deprivation, night shift work and constant mental stress are leading to breast cancer.
Experts say that not only weight gain is dangerous, but fat accumulated around the belly is even more dangerous. This fat increases inflammation in the body, increases insulin resistance and increases estrogen levels. After menopause, fat becomes the main source of estrogen in women’s bodies, which can increase the risk of hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
Although the risk of breast cancer cannot be completely avoided by lifestyle changes, it can be greatly reduced, say experts. Adequate and good sleep, stress management, regular exercise, balanced diet and reducing belly fat improves hormone balance and strengthens the body’s immune system. This can reduce the risk of developing cancer as well as recurrence of cancer after treatment.
In India, the incidence of breast cancer among women aged 35 to 50 is increasing. Sedentary lifestyle, late motherhood, short duration of breastfeeding, lack of sleep and constant stress are considered to be the main reasons behind this. Apart from this, late diagnosis of the disease is also a big problem. Doctors advise that women who have risk factors such as obesity, sleep complaints, and high stress should get an early and personalized check-up. For such women, clinical breast examination, ultrasound or mammography if necessary should be considered only after 30 years, so that the disease can be detected in time and treatment can be more effective.
