Sleep, Stress & Obesity: Emerging Risks for Breast Cancer – Insights from ICMR Study

Recent findings suggest “Breast Cancer” is one of the fastest-growing health challenges in India. The National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR) recently shared a study in which some of our daily habits or lifestyles might be a risk to our health.

According to the research, India’s breast cancer burden is projected to rise by 5.6% annually, adding nearly 50,000 new cases every year.
At Rajeshwar Hospital, recognised as the Best Oncology Services in Bihar, we believe awareness is the first step toward prevention. Let’s break down the key findings here-

Sleep Loss – A Silent Risk Factor

In the study, it has been found that poor sleep quality, irregular sleep patterns, and sleeping in illuminated rooms can increase breast cancer risk.

Sleep disturbance suppresses melatonin, a hormone that protects against cancer.

Women in India maintain both home and job, and often sacrifice their sleep to late-night work. You may not realise, but it might prove harmful later.

Stress – More Than Just Mental Pressure

Chronic stress leads to sustained cortisol elevation and metabolic dysfunction, both of which can contribute to cancer risk. With urban lifestyles becoming more demanding, stress management is now an important part of cancer prevention.

Do not hesitate to talk to an expert if stress or depression becomes out of control, as consultation is better than endurance.

Obesity – Waist-to-Hip-Ratio Matters

The study highlights that central obesity means abdominal fat is a critical factor. Women with a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.85 or higher face a significantly elevated risk, especially postmenopausal women.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity is strongly linked to lower cancer risk.

Other Risk Factors

• Late menopause after 50 years.
• Delayed first pregnancy or childbirth after 30 years
• Multiple abortions
• Family history of breast cancer

These reproductive and hormonal factors increase lifetime exposure to estrogen, which can raise cancer risk.

This study by ICMR was conducted for a large population, and about 1,900 scientific papers and 31 observational studies from moderate to high quality were included.

Turning Warning into Awareness

To prioritise your health need to take preventive steps that must be followed every day as a part of your routine-

-Prioritise healthy sleep routines.

-Manage stress through consultation and meditation.

-Maintain a balanced diet and exercise to reduce obesity.

-Connect to hospitals and oncology centres to examine at regular intervals.

Begin your new year with a new health resolution to stay safe and healthy.

Why Rajeshwar Hospital is your Trusted Partner?

As the top oncology centre in Patna, Rajeshwar Hospital combines advanced technology with compassionate care. As our oncology department highlights:

• Oncologist Consultation
• Early Screening and Diagnosis
• Lifestyle Counselling for prevention
• Personalised Treatment Plans

With the updated technology and advanced examination of cancer, we focus on awareness and prevention.

Conclusion

The ICMR study shows that breast cancer in India is no more about age or genetics. Lifestyle factors that are explained in this blog are powerful contributors. It is important to focus on your daily routine, especially for females.

This research is a warning and a wake-up call for awareness of how daily irregular habits are silently increasing breast cancer risk in India. This is a red flag for public health.