October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer can be detected early and treated effectively. This is the message of Breast Cancer Awareness Month which is observed in October.  

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the most common cause of cancer death for women in the Americas. In 2020, there were more than 210,000 new diagnoses of breast cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean, and nearly 68,000 deaths.  

The Americas accounted for nearly a quarter of new breast cancer cases in 2020. In Latin America and the Caribbean, women under the age of 50 make up 32% of new cases.

Characteristics that are associated with higher risk of developing breast cancer include obesity, alcohol consumption, family history of breast cancer, exposure to radiation, reproductive and hormonal history and tobacco use. Around half of cases develop in women with no identified risk factors other than female gender and age 40 years and older.

There Is Hope

The outlook after a breast cancer diagnosis has improved dramatically in high income countries countries, which have experienced a 40% decrease in age-standardised breast cancer mortality between 1980 and 2020, following the introduction of early detection programs and standardised treatment protocols. 

Early Detection is Key

Breast cancer most commonly presents as a painless lump in the breast. While breast lumps may develop for reasons other than cancer (up to 90%), it is important that women finding an abnormal lump consult a health practitioner as soon as possible even if there is no pain.

Breast cancer may present in a many ways, which is why a complete medical examination is important. Other symptoms of breast cancer include breast thickening, alteration in size, shape or appearance of the breast, alterations of the skin such as redness, pitting or dimpling, change in nipple appearance or the skin around (areola), and or abnormal nipple discharge.

Advanced breast cancers can erode through the skin and spread to other body parts, triggering additional symptoms. Breast cancer treatment can be effective, particularly when caught early. It usually entails surgery with or without radiation and medication. The effectiveness of treatment depends on undergoing the full course of treatment.

Palliative and supportive care help improve the quality of life of patients and their families and may also positively influence the course of illness, aiming to meet the supportive care, psychosocial and spiritual needs of women with breast cancer.

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Response

The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative aims to reduce global cancer mortality by 2.5% per year, thus avoiding 2.5 million early deaths due to breast cancer between 2020 and 2040 in women under the age of 70 years. The Global Breast Cancer Initiative roots from long-standing commitment from breast cancer advocates worldwide, and is now engaging global partners to coordinate efforts to advance breast cancer control.