Breast Cancer –WHO Releases Worrisome Statistics, Launches Initiative

Breast cancer has continued to be a global health concern, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicating 2.3 million cases occurring each year.

It has thus released a new Global Breast Cancer Initiative Framework which aims at combating the ailment.

By the WHO indication, breast cancer, is the most common cancer amongst adults, and the roadmap targets to save 2.5 million lives from breast cancer by 2040.

Much of this number is from the developing countries, given their weaker healthcare systems, and the framework appears ready to assist the region with the challenges posed by breast cancer.

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The new WHO framework recommends, early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive management of breast cancer considered the three pillars towards containing the ailment.

According to the Director-General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, breast cancer has been the first or second leading cause of female cancer deaths in 95 per cent of countries.

“Countries with weaker health systems are least able to manage the increasing burden of breast cancer.

“It places a tremendous strain on individuals, families, communities, health systems, and economies, so it must be a priority for ministries of health and governments everywhere.

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“Cancer in women, including breast cancer leave devastating impact for the next generation”, ”, Ghebreyesus said.

Referring to a 2020 data of nearly one million deaths through cancer, the DG said such deaths leave devastating effects on society, like triggering generational, chronic social disruption and financial harm in many cases.

In the words of Dr Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director for Noncommunicable Diseases:

“This effort would not only support health promotion, but also empower women to seek and receive health care throughout the life cycle,” says Dr Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director for Noncommunicable Diseases.

“With effective and sustainable primary health care, we can really see a pathway to universal health coverage.” Mikkelsen said.

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Mikkelsen said the three pillars of action with specific key performance indicators, recommended countries to focus on breast cancer early-detection programmes so that at least 60 per cent of the breast cancers are diagnosed and treated as early-stage disease.

“Diagnosing breast cancer within 60 days of initial presentation can improve breast cancer outcomes treatment should start within three months of first presentation”, she said.