According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, affecting 2.1 million women each year. It is also responsible for the greatest number of cancer-related deaths among women. In order to positively impact breast cancer survival rates, early detection is critical which can only happen when people are aware of risk factors and symptoms. October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with an aim to increase attention and support for awareness, early detection, and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease.

As per WHO, 1 in 22 urban Indian women is likely to develop breast cancer. Factors such as family history, reproductive history, and age put one at risk, but so does not being physically active and being overweight. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke with Dr. Sarjana Dutt, Director-Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics at Oncquest Laboratories, to list down lifestyle changes that might lower the risk of contracting breast cancer.