Breast cancer risk high even for the young, surgical oncologist warns

A surgical oncologist has warned that it is a serious misconception to assume that cancer cannot affect young people, urging greater awareness and prompt medical attention when unusual changes are noticed in the breast. Dr. Varthika Vishwani, a surgical oncologist at Artemis Hospital in Gurugram, India, made the remarks after the case of Karthika Jalani, a 26-year-old woman and a participant in Season 2 of "India's Got Latent," drew public attention when she shared her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer. According to Karthika's account, she noticed a small lump in her breast that was not painful at all. When she raised the question, the doctor initially told her there was no chance of cancer because she was young, and advised her not to worry and to go home. However, it was later found to be cancer. Dr. Vishwani noted that many lumps that develop in the breasts of young women are not dangerous, but it is wrong to conclude — based on age alone — that a lump is not cancer and to give it little attention. She said the belief that young people cannot get cancer is a major misconception. According to global health studies, between 1990 and 2019 the rate of cancer among people under the age of 50 rose by 79 percent. Many factors linked to lifestyle contribute to this increase, including obesity from a young age, lack of physical activity, consumption of processed foods, and other unhealthy habits adopted in daily life. Health experts have warned that the risk of breast cancer is significant even for young people. Therefore, if an unusual lump or other change is noticed in the breast, it is very important not to panic but to seek medical advice without delay. Ultrasound scans are used to detect such conditions in young women, and a biopsy may be needed if the situation requires it. "Deciding that someone is 'too young' is not treatment," Dr. Vishwani said. She advised that young age is no shield against cancer, and that everyone should always pay attention to their own health and remain vigilant, which she described as essential today. She said that to protect young people from dangerous diseases such as breast cancer, it is important to make positive changes to lifestyle. These include eating a healthy diet, exercising, staying away from smoking, and avoiding harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol. If a person does fall ill, they should seek complete medical treatment and also give special attention to mental well-being. Seeking the support of family, friends and counseling is a great source of strength to fight an illness with courage and overcome the psychological fear and despair that arise when learning of a diagnosis.