Around 41 per cent of breast surgery records at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (KDAH), Mumbai, in 2025 involved women below the age of 50, highlighting the need for greater breast cancer awareness and early detection among younger women.
The hospital analysed 753 consecutive breast surgery records, finding that the average age of the women was 52.8 years. Of these, 306 records involved women below 50, while 103 involved those below 40. The findings highlight why women should not ignore unusual breast changes because of their age.
The hospital’s data also showed a consistent trend over three years, with women below 50 accounting for 38 to 45 per cent of breast surgery records annually. However, the figures reflect records from a single hospital and should not be considered representative of breast cancer prevalence across India.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, experts are urging women to seek timely medical evaluation for unusual breast changes. Warning signs may include a new lump, changes in the nipple or dimpling of the breast skin.
Early medical assessment can help detect cancer sooner, potentially improving treatment outcomes and providing more treatment options.
Dr. Mandar Nadkarni, Director (Group), Breast Oncology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, stressed that awareness must extend to women of all age groups.
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“Breast cancer awareness must extend to women across age groups. In the breast surgery records we reviewed for 2025, the average age was 52.8 years, but around 2 in 5 records involved individuals below 50, including 14 per cent below 40,” he said.
He cautioned younger women against dismissing unusual breast changes on the assumption that they are too young to develop breast cancer. He also highlighted the importance of early detection and discussions with specialists about suitable treatment options.
The hospital’s records showed that breast-conserving surgery was performed in 654 cases, accounting for nearly 87 per cent of the total. This procedure removes cancer while preserving as much breast tissue as possible. Reconstruction procedures were recorded in 89 cases.
Experts emphasise that treatment decisions depend on individual medical conditions, clinical findings and discussions with specialists. Screening recommendations also vary according to personal risk and medical advice.
The findings underline the importance of recognising warning signs, seeking timely medical care and making informed decisions to support better breast cancer outcomes.
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