Risk Factors of Breast Cancer in Indian Context: A Systematic Review

The upward trend in breast cancer globally and in India has become a matter of great concern. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women globally. The objective of the authors’ study was to explore the various risk factors of breast cancer in among women in an Indian context. A search was performed using the search engine Pubmed during years 2005-2011 using key words risk factor and breast cancer and India. They searched criteria found 16 final analyzable articles. Results of the review showed high mortality due to late stage breast cancer diagnosis as women usually present at an advanced stage. The results showed that the predominant reason was because of lack of awareness about the risk factors of breast cancer and nonexistence of breast cancer screening programs. Financial and social reasons were other factors that resulted in delay in seeking advice for this problem resulting in its delayed diagnosis. Educational awareness might be an effective tool for modifying lifestyles and thereby reducing breast cancer risks. Risk Factors of Breast Cancer in Indian Context: A Systematic Review