KATHMANDU, Oct 7: Breast cancer has emerged as the most common cancer among women in Nepal, with around 5,000 women being diagnosed with the disease every year—a sharp rise from the estimated 2,500 to 3,000 cases recorded annually about a decade ago.
The shift marks a significant change in Nepal’s cancer landscape. Until around a decade ago, cervical cancer was the most common cancer among women. Breast cancer has now taken its place at the top, according to hospital-based cancer registry data made public last year.
Doctors say women aged 40 to 50 are the most affected age group, followed by those aged 50 to 60.
Dr Kapendra Shekhar Amatya, a cancer surgeon and breast cancer specialist at Nepal Cancer Hospital, said the number of breast cancer patients has been increasing steadily over the past eight to 10 years.
“Breast cancer was previously the second most common cancer among women, but it has now moved to the first position,” he said.
Dr Punya Ram Kharbuja, a cancer surgeon at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, also said the number of women developing breast cancer has been increasing in Nepal.
“Breast cancer is increasing among women not only in Nepal but across the world,” he said.
Why are cases increasing?
The exact causes of breast cancer are still not fully understood. According to Dr Amatya, around 10 to 12 percent of breast cancer cases are hereditary, while the remaining cases are linked to other factors.
Doctors point to sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles, obesity, tobacco use, unhealthy packaged foods and environmental pollution as possible risk factors.
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Dr Amatya said breast cancer is increasingly being seen among women in both rural and urban areas.
“Women in villages still smoke a lot. In cities, there are women who smoke as well as women who are obese. Both are risk factors for cancer,” he said.
He believes changes in lifestyle over the past two decades may also have contributed to the rise in various types of cancer in Nepal.
According to Amatya, Nepal has increasingly adopted a new lifestyle in the name of modernization.
“Life that should have remained in harmony with nature has become entirely artificial, which is also contributing to breast cancer among women,” he said.
As breast cancer cases continue to rise, hospitals and other organizations have stepped up awareness programs. October is observed worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Dr Kharbuja said delayed marriage and childbirth may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. He said women are increasingly marrying and having children later due to education, employment and the pursuit of financial independence.
According to him, delayed marriage and childbirth can lead to hormonal changes, which may increase the risk of breast cancer.
However, doctors acknowledge that there is no conclusive study establishing that lifestyle changes, delayed childbirth or other such factors are solely responsible for the rise in breast cancer in Nepal.
Early detection key to survival
Despite the rise in cases, doctors say there is a reason for optimism: breast cancer can be successfully treated when detected early.
According to them, 80 to 90 percent of breast cancer cases can be cured if the disease is detected and treated on time.
The treatment success rate has also improved in Nepal with the introduction of new technologies and medicines, doctors say. Surgery and newer forms of chemotherapy, among other treatment methods, are now available in the country.
Doctors say a lump or mass in the breast and discharge of fluid or blood from the nipple can be signs of breast cancer. Women who notice a lump or other unusual changes in their breasts are advised to seek medical attention.
At the same time, not every lump should cause alarm. Doctors say around 90 percent of breast lumps are not cancerous.
Women can examine their breasts themselves and seek medical advice if they notice unusual changes. Annual breast ultrasonography and mammography, when recommended by doctors, can also help detect problems at an early stage.
Doctors emphasize that early detection is one of the most important factors in successful breast cancer treatment. Women diagnosed at an early stage have a much better chance of receiving effective treatment and living for many years afterward.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce the risk of cancer, doctors say. They recommend eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco products and maintaining a healthy weight.
They also say having children at an appropriate age may help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Doctors call for healthier environment
Doctors say individual lifestyle changes alone may not be enough and that the broader environment also needs attention.
Dr Amatya has called for the promotion of organic farming.
“Sikkim has already become fully organic. Nepal should now make a decision to move in that direction as well,” he said.
He said Bhutan has also prioritized organic farming and the use of electric energy.
“The state should set standards for this,” he said, calling for effective monitoring of the quality of ready-to-eat foods available in the market and stronger control of tobacco use.
According to Amatya, creating a clean environment and ensuring healthier citizens should be considered a responsibility of the state.
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