Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect Indian women with high mortality rate & increasing incidences and early diagnosis of the disease is imperative for better survival rate. According to American Cancer Society Guidelines, the standard screening process of mammography should start at the age of 45 as Breast cancer in Indian women is a decade younger in comparison to western women with peak incidence at 40– 50 years.

Breast Cancer Screening plays an essential role in early detection which increases the chances of effective & successful treatment.  Breast self-examination is a good way to find the symptoms of breast cancer.  When practiced regularly, one learns to differentiate between normal tissue and the abnormal new change in the breast. However, for precise screening and diagnosis, mammogram is essential for which good quality Mammography System is needed in a Centre. In the conventional Analog Mammography Systems, there are various limitations due to films but with the new Digital Mammography technology, the detection efficiency of invasive cancer has increased significantly.

In Urban areas, Breast Cancer Screening has started gaining momentum as a result of Awareness Campaigns and availability of high-end Mammography technologies. The Centres in Tier II & III Towns and Villages are not able to afford such high-end technologies for Breast cancer screening because of which the penetration of Digital Mammography technology in such places are very low. Although Digital Mammography plays a major role in early detection of breast cancer, the actual installation base of Digital Mammography systems in India are lesser even when compared to a smaller country like Thailand.

Government’s initiatives will play a vital role in increasing awareness on Breast Cancer screening as there is not only absence of adequate breast cancer screening programs or technologies but a complete lack of Breast Cancer Screening awareness as a whole.  In order to improve the Breast Cancer screening, there is a strong need for Digital Mammography in the affordable segment which can be even bought by Centres in Tier II & Tier III areas. Such affordable Digital Mammography Equipment should also be compatible to be installed in Mobile Vans for Breast Cancer Screening.

M Brahadeesh, President – Imaging, Trivitron Healthcare