Breast cancer cases in men rising rapidly, warns AIIMS:Surge linked to hormonal imbalance and poor diet; experts blame fast food steroid-laced chicken

Cases of breast cancer are now increasing quickly among men, not just women. Earlier, there used to be one male patient among 100 breast cancer cases — now the number has reached four. Doctors at AIIMS Bhopal say the main reasons are hormonal imbalance, poor diet, and the growing fast-food culture. Hormonal imbalance in men a growing concern Dr Madhwanand Kar, Director of AIIMS Bhopal and a leading onco-surgeon, said that hormonal imbalance in men is becoming more common. The level of oestrogen, the female hormone, is rising in men, leading to a condition called gynecomastia, or abnormal growth of breast tissue.This problem is now being seen not only in adults but also in children. Fast food and steroids behind hormonal changes According to Dr Kar, the major cause of this hormonal change is poor eating habits and fast food. Many children rely on fast food because both parents are working. Young people living away from home also depend on such meals.These foods are tasty but unhealthy. They often contain steroids, flavour enhancers, and chemical additives in sauces and toppings used in burgers, pizzas, and chowmein. These ingredients disturb the body’s hormonal balance. Chemicals and steroids in food aggravate the problem Fruits are now being ripened with harmful chemicals. Excessive fertilisers in farming and steroids given to chickens to make them grow faster also enter the human body through food. These lead to hormonal imbalance and an increase in oestrogen levels in men.This not only causes gynecomastia but also increases the risk of breast cancer in men. Obesity and diet contributing to male breast cancer Obesity is another major reason behind the rise in breast cancer among men. Foods rich in artificial ingredients and chemicals can trigger the growth of cancer cells. Dr Kar said such eating habits are causing a sharp increase in breast cancer cases at AIIMS Bhopal. AIIMS warns against ignoring early cancer symptoms In an official statement, AIIMS warned that colorectal cancer often shows no clear symptoms in the early stages.As the disease progresses, people may experience: Doctors caution that ignoring these signs as minor digestive problems can delay diagnosis and make treatment harder. Sometimes colorectal cancer resembles tuberculosis, and many people mistake blood in stool for piles, which can be dangerous. Most patients coming from nearby districts AIIMS Bhopal receives the highest number of breast cancer cases from Agar Malwa (3,664), Raisen (1,776), Vidisha (1,536), Narmadapuram (1,216), Sagar (1,072) and Rewa (944).The large number of patients from these districts is partly because of their proximity to Bhopal. However, it also raises concerns about the lack of proper cancer treatment facilities in district hospitals and medical colleges. Colorectal cancer rising among the youth Colorectal cancer, once considered common in Western countries, is now increasing fast in Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal.AIIMS Bhopal has noted a disturbing trend — the disease is now affecting people under the age of 40.Dr Ajay Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, said lifestyle changes, unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking, and alcohol use are the main causes. According to a 2021 Indian Journal of Cancer report, about 25% of new patients are below 40 years of age.To fight this trend, AIIMS has advised timely screening and public awareness as the most effective preventive steps. What is cancer? Cancer occurs when the body’s cells start growing and dividing uncontrollably.Normal cells die after a certain time, but cancer cells keep multiplying and damage surrounding tissues.These abnormal cells can also spread to other parts of the body through blood or the lymphatic system — a process called metastasis.Such uncontrolled growth usually happens because of changes or mutations in DNA.