Tripura Steps Up Breast Cancer Screening for Women Over 30 as Most Cases Are Found Late

Tripura is expanding breast cancer screening and treatment with a focus on catching the disease earlier, State Health Secretary Kiran Gitte said. Screening is being prioritised for women aged 30 and above.

Why the push

Breast cancer makes up 14.4 per cent of all cancers among women in Tripura — the second highest share in the north-east after Manipur (15.4 per cent) — and affects about 1 in 123 women in the state. Only 28.4 per cent of cases are detected while still localised, while 58.2 per cent have already spread to distant organs at diagnosis.

Nationally, India recorded an estimated 2,37,231 new breast cancer cases and 96,100 deaths in 2024.

What is changing

Community Health Officers will run awareness drives on warning signs. District Day Care Cancer Centres will provide oral chemotherapy, intravenous and oral chemotherapy services are being strengthened, and patients will get stage-appropriate treatment, psychosocial support and palliative care.

Jhpiego, a non-profit affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, is providing technical support across awareness, prevention, early detection and treatment.

Know the signs

Doctors advise women to see a health worker promptly for a new lump in the breast or armpit, a change in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple changes or discharge — early-stage breast cancer is highly treatable.