Nepal sees rise in breast cancer cases, now a leading concern

Nepal is witnessing a significant increase in breast cancer diagnoses, with annual cases now reaching approximately 5,000. While recent hospital-based cancer registries indicate breast cancer is now the leading cancer among women in Nepal, other data presents a different picture. According to a 2022 assessment, cervical cancer held the top spot among women’s cancers, a position breast cancer occupied before 2022. Furthermore, Globocan Nepal 2020 statistics place breast cancer as the third most common cancer overall in Nepal. A decade ago, the annual number of breast cancer patients ranged from 2,500 to 3,000. Doctors note that the highest incidence of breast cancer is observed in women aged 40 to 50 years, followed by those in the 50 to 60 age group. Dr. Kapendra Man Amatya, head of surgical oncology at Nepal Cancer Hospital in Harisiddhi, Lalitpur, and a breast cancer specialist, confirmed that the number of breast cancer patients has been increasing over the past eight to ten years. Causes and Risk Factors The exact causes of breast cancer remain unclear. Dr. Amatya states that 10 to 12 percent of cases are hereditary, while the rest are attributed to other factors. Doctors point to an unnatural and inactive lifestyle, obesity, tobacco use, unhealthy packaged foods, and environmental pollution as contributing factors. Dr. Punya Kharbuja, a cancer surgeon at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, also notes a global increase in breast cancer among women, including in Nepal. Dr. Amatya highlights that Nepal’s modernization over the past two decades has led to a more artificial lifestyle, which may be contributing to the rise in various cancers. He noted that women in rural areas still smoke heavily, while urban women face issues like obesity alongside smoking. Both are recognized risk factors for cancer. Dr. Kharbuja also suggests that delayed marriage and childbirth, increasingly common due to pursuits of education, career, and financial independence, may contribute to hormonal imbalances that increase breast cancer risk. Early Detection and Treatment Doctors emphasize that 80 to 90 percent of breast cancer cases can be cured if identified and treated early. The success rate has improved recently in Nepal due to the introduction of new technologies and medicines for treatment, including surgery and advanced chemotherapy methods. Symptoms can include lumps or masses in the breast, or discharge of water or blood-mixed fluid from the breast. While 90 percent of breast lumps are not cancerous, timely medical examination is crucial if any are detected. Regular self-examinations, annual breast video X-rays, and mammograms, as advised by doctors, can help in early problem identification. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco products, and controlling weight, are also recommended to reduce cancer risk. Timely childbirth may also lower the risk. National Efforts and Challenges October is observed globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In Nepal, organizations like Infinite Cares, in collaboration with Cancer Care Nepal, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, and Nepal Cancer Survivors Society, organized a ‘Pinkwalk 2026’ awareness march on October 4, 2026. The government has introduced the National Cancer Control Strategy 2024–2030, aiming to prevent, identify early, diagnose, treat, and reduce mortality from cancer. This strategy prioritizes tobacco control, alcohol regulation, diet and obesity management, physical activity, and control of Human Papillomavirus and Hepatitis B viruses. However, Nepal faces significant challenges, including a lack of a national population-based cancer registry. Hospital-based registries, initiated in 2003, have expanded to 12 hospitals but do not provide a comprehensive national picture. Less than 20 percent of women in Nepal are aware of breast cancer signs and symptoms, leading to 50-65 percent of diagnoses occurring at late stages (Stage 3 or 4). The health system is also not yet prepared to implement population-based breast cancer screening programs, and mammography is not considered feasible or cost-effective for population-wide screening. In Madhesh Province, a mammogram service for breast cancer screening and infertility treatment began at Federal Narayani Hospital in Birgunj on July 14, 2025. This initiative followed Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel’s commitment to expand cancer treatment services to the provincial level. However, population-based cancer registries in Siraha, Saptari, Dhanusha, and Mahottari districts of Madhesh Province cover only 20 percent of the total population, according to the National Cancer Control Strategy (2024-2030).