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Breast cancer is a life-altering, and often life-limiting disease that has ramifications for all of society [1].It is the leading cause of death for women across the
The projected increase in breast cancer rates in the
As with most cancers, early detection of breast cancer can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why awareness raising directed specifically at women in high-risk demographics is key. We know our bodies better than anyone and should feel confident in seeking help when something does not feel right. National-level campaigns like theJordan Breast Cancer Programme (www.JBCP.jo), led by the
Prevention is another area that deserves more public attention, particularly when it comes to understanding key risk factors. For example, new technologies now allow for predictive testing for high-risk breast cancer genes. The private sector has a crucial role to play in working with governments and healthcare providers to make these medical innovations accessible and affordable. In
Others risk factors are lifestyle choices that can sometimes be addressed by behaviour change, including smoking and secondhand smoke inhalation, high blood-sugar, and physical inactivity. Better public understanding of the links between these risks and breast cancer will also help reduce overall rates.
Routine screening cannot prevent cancer from occurring, but it is does help to pick up early signs of the disease, and countries where this is part of standard health care packages demonstratelower mortality rates (https://bit.ly/3DffIjA) [3].This service is currently inaccessible to most women in the
Efforts to improve breast cancer prevention and detection, as well as treatment, must be underpinned by fully trained and equipped health workers who are able to support women along their patient journey. Initiatives like thePhakamisa programme (https://bit.ly/3gEqCrg)in
Finally, gender inequality is the root of many barriers to safe and effective medical care for women in our region. At the individual level, economic disempowerment, stigma, cancer myths, and cultural taboos can all contribute to a delay in women seeking medical attention. Breast and cervical cancer are shown to receiveless funding and public attention (https://bit.ly/3TNfkQg)in low- and middle-income than in high-income countries [4].
Most of us have been impacted by breast cancer — whether directly or indirectly. Breast cancer awareness month has become associated with pink ribbons, which can now be seen on lapels and campaign materials across the
[1] NCBI, ‘Breast Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Why We Need Pathology Capability to Solve This Challenge’. Available athttps://bit.ly/3sAT7J5. Accessed
[2]Estimated new cases of breast cancer from 2020 — 2040,
[3]Ren W, Chen M, Qiao Y, Zhao F. Global guidelines for breast cancer screening: A systematic review. Breast. 2022 Aug;64:85-99. doi: 10.1016/j.breast.2022.04.003.
[4]Samarasekera, U., & Horton, R. (2017). Women’s cancers: shining a light on a neglected health inequity.The Lancet,389(10071), 771-773.
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