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Every year on August 18, the world recognises the efforts of researchers working to better understand, prevent, and treat breast cancer. Awareness campaigns throughout October encourage screenings and education. World Breast Cancer Research Day also shifts the focus to the scientific progress being made with respect to treatment. It’s a known reminder that behind every survivor and every improved outcome, there are years of research, discovery, and innovation involved by a lot of people. This blog offers a closer look at why this day matters, the global advances shaping breast cancer care, and what the latest data reveal about the situation in India.
Synopsis
About World Breast Cancer Research
When people think of breast cancer awareness, October’s pink ribbons often come to mind. But World Breast Cancer Research Day, observed on August 18, serves a different and equally important purpose. It highlights the science that is behind every breakthrough, every early diagnosis, and every new treatment option.
The day was launched in 2021 by the Dr. Susan Love Foundation. Its purpose was to keep the spotlight on breast cancer research throughout the year and not just during awareness month. The date itself has a purpose: 8/18 symbolises the statistic that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and 1 in 833 men will face the same battle.
What sets this day apart is its focus on forward movement:
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Sustained investment in research |
Encouraging government bodies, organisations, and individuals to fund research initiatives that push boundaries in breast cancer treatment. |
| Public involvement | Through campaigns like the Love Research Army, people are invited to participate in studies and new drug trials. |
| Global collaboration | Institutions like the Tower Cancer Research Foundation are working across borders to fast-track discoveries. |
| Advocacy beyond pink ribbons | The day urges us to look beyond awareness and focus on solutions that save lives. |
Breast Cancer in India
Breast cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Indian women and accounts for 28% of all cancers diagnosed. Many of these women are also in their 30s and early 40s. Although awareness is slowly improving in urban areas, much of the country still struggles with delayed detection and limited access to screening.
Some of the key challenges in India’s breast cancer landscape include:
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Late-stage diagnosis: A large number of breast cancer cases are detected in Stage 3 or 4, when treatment becomes more complex and outcomes less favourable. This is because breast cancer symptoms are not always obvious. Common early signs you should look for can be a lump in the breast, a change in the colour or size of the breast, an inverted nipple, unusual discharge, etc.
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Younger age group affected: Unlike Western countries, Indian women are often diagnosed at a younger age, which brings its own set of clinical and emotional challenges.
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Urban–rural divide: While tier-1 cities have more screening options and specialist care easily accessible, rural areas face lots of hurdles in terms of awareness, transportation, and timely treatment.
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Limited screening uptake: Mammograms and regular breast exams are not a routine part of preventive care for most women.
Why is Early Detection Important?
When it comes to breast cancer or any form of cancer, timing can make all the difference. Early detection greatly improves the chances of success or cure rate and also reduces the need for aggressive interventions.
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Better treatment outcomes |
Cancers caught in early stages tend to be less aggressive, and hence easier to treat. |
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Lower treatment burden |
Early-stage cancer requires less intensive procedures and shorter recovery times. |
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Higher survival rates |
The chances of long-term remission are significantly better when the disease is found in its earlier stages. |
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Reduced financial strain |
Early treatment is generally more affordable, helping families avoid the high costs associated with advanced-stage care. |
Breakthroughs in Breast Cancer Research
Behind every survival story of successful breast cancer treatment are years of dedicated research. Recent developments in breast cancer science are transforming how doctors detect the disease, personalise treatment, and monitor long-term outcomes. These breakthroughs are making a real difference in clinical practice.
Some of the most impactful advancements in breast cancer treatment include:
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Liquid biopsies: Instead of relying solely on tissue samples, doctors can now use blood tests to identify tumour DNA. This allows for non-invasive screening, early detection, and tracking of how well treatments are working.
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Targeted therapies: Treatments like HER2 inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors are designed to attack specific cancer cell markers, resulting in fewer side effects and better patient outcomes.
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Immunotherapy: While still evolving for breast cancer, immunotherapy is showing promise. It has found a strong application in triple-negative breast cancer, which is harder to treat with conventional options.
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Personalised vaccines and gene editing: Research into mRNA vaccines and tools like CRISPR are paving the way for tailor-made treatments that suit an individual’s genetic profile.
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AI-powered diagnostics: Artificial intelligence (AI) is also now becoming a potential tool to analyse mammograms and imaging scans with very high accuracy. They are detecting tumours that human eyes might miss. This translates to faster diagnoses and earlier intervention.
The World Breast Cancer Research Day reminds us of the importance of research into medical breakthroughs and advanced diagnostics. The day is a reminder that progress is a continuous effort and requires steady support throughout.
FAQ's
World Breast Cancer Research Day is observed every year on August 18. The date symbolises the statistic that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. This important day emphasises scientific progress, funding, and innovation in breast cancer treatment. Research leads to better screening tools, less invasive treatments, and improved survival rates. Every discovery in the lab brings us much closer to more effective and personalised cancer care.
Women over 40 years old should opt for regular mammograms as recommended. Those with a family history or other risk factors may need earlier and more frequent screening.
Risk factors for breast cancer include a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Some common risk factors you cannot change are getting older, a family history of breast cancer, and inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2. Modifiable risk factors can be a lack of physical activity, being overweight or obese, and alcohol intake.
Breast cancer is classified based on its location and characteristics. Invasive ductal carcinoma (which begins in the milk ducts and accounts for 70-80% of all breast cancer cases) and invasive lobular carcinoma (which starts in the milk-producing glands) are the most common types. Other more aggressive types can be inflammatory breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer.
Yes, men can and do get breast cancer, though it is way rarer than in women. The symptoms are, however, similar and include a painless lump or swelling in the breast, skin changes (dimpling, puckering, or redness), nipple changes (like a nipple turning inward), and discharge from the nipple. Due to a lack of awareness, men are often diagnosed at a later stage, making timely detection even more critical.
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