The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning: breast cancer cases worldwide are projected to increase by 38% by 2050, while deaths from the disease could rise by 68%. These alarming projections come from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized branch of WHO, and were published in Nature Medicine on Monday.
According to the report, 3.2 million new breast cancer cases and 1.1 million related deaths could occur annually by mid-century if urgent action is not taken.
Breast Cancer Cases on the Rise: Disproportionate Impact on Low-Income Countries
The report highlights that low- and middle-income countries will bear the brunt of this surge due to limited access to early detection, treatment, and care.
Dr. Joanne Kim, an IARC scientist and co-author of the report, emphasized the severity of the situation:
“Every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide, and one woman dies from the disease. These statistics are worsening.”
Kim also stressed that preventive policies and early detection could help reverse these trends. The WHO recommends implementing its ‘best buys’ for non-communicable disease prevention and investing in quality healthcare systems.
Regional Disparities in Breast Cancer Cases
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall. However, its impact varies significantly across regions:
- In 2022 alone, approximately 2.3 million new cases were diagnosed, leading to 670,000 deaths.
- Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Northern Europe recorded the highest breast cancer incidence rates.
- The lowest incidence rates were found in South-Central Asia and parts of Africa.
- Mortality rates were highest in Melanesia, Polynesia, and Western Africa, where access to healthcare is severely limited.
The report underlines the strong correlation between economic development and breast cancer survival rates, emphasizing the need for equitable healthcare access worldwide.
Survival Rate Gaps: High-Income vs. Low-Income Countries
The survival rate for breast cancer differs dramatically based on a country’s income level:
- In high-income countries, 83% of diagnosed women survive the disease.
- In low-income countries, more than 50% of diagnosed women die due to inadequate access to early detection and treatment.
Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of IARC’s Cancer Surveillance Branch, underscored the need for reliable cancer data to guide policymaking in lower-income regions.
“Continued progress in early diagnosis and improved access to treatment are essential. These will help bridge the global gap in breast cancer care and ensure all countries can achieve the goal of reducing suffering and deaths from the disease.”
Strengthening Health Systems and Prevention Policies
The WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative in 2021, aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality rates by 2.5% per year, potentially preventing 2.5 million deaths by 2040. The initiative focuses on:
- Early detection programs
- Timely and accurate diagnosis
- Improved access to quality treatment
To tackle the rising breast cancer cases, governments and health organizations must invest in stronger health systems, increase funding for breast cancer screening, and adopt cost-effective prevention policies.
With cases and deaths projected to soar, global coordinated action is urgently needed to prevent millions of avoidable deaths from a disease that is increasingly preventable and treatable.
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