Team Herald

PANJIM: Gokarna Oncology Association (GOA) president Dr Shekhar Salkar on Friday said that the incidence of breast cancer in Goa is rising, largely on account of the urban lifestyle associated with high affluence and late marriages. Of the 1000-1200 cases of cancer reported across the State annually, breast cancer cases account for 200. 

“In Goa there is no dramatic increase of rise in cancer. Breast cancer is one which is rising. We have cervical cancer which is well under control; we can say we are the best State but on the other hand Goa in worst or number one State in cases of colon cancer,” Salkar said, speaking to the media at the 7th Edition of the Indian Breast Cancer Survivors Conference

He said, “Breast cancer is quite high as compared to the total number of cases that we get. Of the total number of cases of cancer in the State yearly that is 1000 to 1200, almost 200 are cases of breast cancer which accounts to 20 to 24 per cent.”

He further said that Goa is on par with other cities like Mumbai and Delhi in terms of breast cancer and what is important is that there are many young patients.

“Early detection is important. You come early and you can spend less amount of money but if you come late you will end up spending more money and life after that can just be a year or two. Today doctors also sometimes find it difficult to diagnose cancer. There is a need for training for doctors as well as patients,” he added.

The purpose of this Survivor’s Conference is to help women get back to a new normal after breast cancer treatment and act as ambassadors to spread the importance of breast cancer prevention and treatment in their communities.