Breast cancer remains a leading health concern worldwide, claiming 670,000 lives in 2022 alone. According to global estimates, roughly half of all breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age.
The disease is a significant threat in every country, with 2.3 million women diagnosed in 2022. Breast cancer occurs predominantly in women, with approximately 0.5-1% of cases affecting men.
The risk factors for breast cancer include increasing age, obesity, harmful alcohol consumption, family history, radiation exposure, reproductive history, tobacco use, and postmenopausal hormone therapy. Female gender is the strongest risk factor, with 99% of breast cancers occurring in women.
Early detection is crucial, as symptoms often appear only in advanced stages. Common signs include breast lumps or thickening, changes in size or shape, dimpling, redness, or nipple abnormalities.
Treatment combines surgery, radiation therapy, and medications. Surgery may involve removing the tumor or the entire breast, while radiation therapy reduces recurrence risk. Medications, such as hormonal therapies or chemotherapy, are selected based on the cancer’s biological properties.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Breast Cancer Initiative aims to reduce global mortality by 2.5% annually, averting 2.5 million deaths between 2020 and 2040. Health promotion, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive management are critical to achieving this goal.
Disparities in breast cancer burden persist, with striking inequities according to human development. Countries with high Human Development Index (HDI) scores report higher diagnosis rates but lower mortality rates, whereas countries with low HDI scores face higher mortality rates despite lower diagnosis rates.
Effective strategies for improving breast cancer outcomes involve strengthening health systems, establishing reliable referral pathways, and providing public health education for early detection.
With concerted efforts, it is possible to reduce breast cancer mortality and improve outcomes for millions of women worldwide.
WHO/ Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
