A Growing Global Threat
Breast cancer has become the most common cancer worldwide, with a staggering projection of one million deaths annually by 2040, according to a new Lancet Commission report. The report paints a concerning picture, highlighting the rising incidence, disproportionate impact on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and significant gaps in knowledge and resources.
In the past five years alone, 7.8 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately 685,000 succumbed to the disease in 2020. The average woman globally faces a 1 in 12 risk of developing breast cancer before the age of 75, and this risk continues to climb. By 2040, the number of cases is expected to surpass 3 million, with LMICs bearing the brunt of this increase.
Despite advancements in treatment leading to a 40% reduction in breast cancer deaths in some high-income countries, the report emphasizes the alarming number of patients being left behind. The authors underscore the "glaring inequities" in access to care, leading to unnecessary suffering and financial hardship.
The report calls for urgent action on multiple fronts. Improved communication between patients and healthcare professionals is crucial to enhance quality of life, body image, and adherence to treatment, ultimately impacting survival rates. Additionally, the development of new tools and metrics is essential to capture the full spectrum of costs associated with breast cancer, including physical, psychological, social, and financial burdens.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the need for "bold policy changes" to reduce exposure to modifiable risk factors like alcohol consumption, overweight, and physical inactivity. Up to one-quarter of breast cancer cases in high-income countries could be prevented by addressing these factors.
The authors conclude by urging healthcare professionals, policymakers, patients, and the public to work together to address these inequities and hidden costs. By shedding light on the true burden of breast cancer, they hope to inspire action and reduce preventable suffering worldwide.