Breast cancer most common type of cancer in females and GI tract cancer common in males in Mumbai: Metropolis Healthcare

Metropolis Healthcare recently tested 57,052 samples for cancer in 2019 in Mumbai. The data of given samples indicates that about nine per cent (5,151) of these samples were diagnosed with cancer. Out of these nine per cent (5,151), 3.84 per cent (2,191) were tested positive male cases whereas 5.17 per cent (2,952) were positive female cases.

Amongst females, breast cancer (1,008 females) was reported maximum number of times followed by cancer of the cervix (302 females), GI Tract (342 females) and hematolymphoid cancer (296 females).

Amongst males, cancer of the GI tract (399 males) was reported maximum number of times followed by head and neck (366 males) and hematolymphoid (489 males).

Prostate Cancer also contributed to a considerable percentage amongst males (293 males).

An age-group-wise segregation revealed that a bulk of the positive cases were reported positive amongst the 51-60 and 61-70 age group followed by 41-50 age group.

Commenting on the data, Dr Kirti Chaddha, Sr Vice President – GRL Operations and Medical Affairs and Sr Consultant Oncopathologist, MD, PDCC (Oncopath and Oncohemat), Metropolis Healthcare, said, “In Maharashtra, we have seen the age-groups of 51-60 and 61-70 are more prone to cancer than others. In females, the incidences of breast cancer are rising. The exact cause of rising breast cancer is not known. However, there are benefits for women who exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, do not smoke and have a low intake of alcohol.”

She added, “Breast cancer cannot be prevented, but if it is diagnosed early then it becomes easier to treat. Under doctor’s supervision or through home-screening, the regular breast screening from the age of 30 onwards would be beneficial.”