Global Efforts Intensify to Tackle Breast Cancer
WHO targets 2.5 million lives saved by 2040 through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive care.
Breast cancer, the most common cancer in women, occurs when abnormal breast cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumours that can spread to other parts of the body if untreated. While early-stage breast cancer is often not life-threatening, invasive types can metastasize to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain, or bones, posing a serious threat.
In 2022, 2.3 million women were diagnosed globally, and 670,000 died from the disease. The risk varies significantly between countries. In high-HDI nations, 1 in 12 women will develop breast cancer, with a mortality rate of 1 in 71. In low-HDI countries, the diagnosis rate is lower (1 in 27), but the death rate is higher (1 in 48), often due to delayed detection and limited access to treatment.
Risk factors include being female (99% of cases), increasing age, obesity, alcohol use, tobacco, certain reproductive histories, family history, radiation exposure, and postmenopausal hormone therapy. Genetic mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB-2 also significantly increase risk, prompting some women to consider preventive surgeries or medication.
Symptoms can include breast lumps, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or redness, nipple changes, or unusual discharge. However, many cases have no symptoms in early stages, making early detection critical.
Treatment varies depending on cancer type and stage but often combines surgery, radiation, and medications. Surgery may involve removing the tumour (lumpectomy) or the entire breast (mastectomy), with lymph node assessment. Radiation therapy reduces recurrence risk, while medications such as hormonal therapies, chemotherapy, and targeted biological treatments address specific cancer subtypes.
Outcomes are best when treatment starts early and is completed in full. Multidisciplinary care involving oncologists, nutritionists, mental health specialists, and rehabilitation teams greatly improves recovery, function, and quality of life. Patient navigation services, which guide individuals through diagnosis and treatment, are proven to increase survival rates, especially in resource-limited settings.
Globally, high-income countries have reduced breast cancer mortality by 40% since the 1980s, achieving annual declines of 2–4% through early detection and better treatments. To replicate this progress worldwide, WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) in 2021. Its goal: reduce mortality by 2.5% annually, preventing 2.5 million deaths by 2040.
The initiative’s strategy focuses on three pillars—promoting early detection, ensuring timely diagnosis, and delivering comprehensive treatment. Public awareness campaigns play a central role, helping women recognize symptoms and seek care early, even in countries without widespread mammographic screening.
With strengthened healthcare systems, clear referral pathways, and proven interventions, breast cancer can be managed more effectively, saving millions of lives in the decades ahead.
