Breast Cancer Is a Leading Cause of Death in Poor Countries, Study Finds

A recent study published in Nature Medicine projects that by 2050, approximately 1.1 million annual deaths will be related to breast cancer, marking a 68% increase from 2022. This rise will disproportionately impact low-income nations, where access to early detection and treatment remains a significant challenge. (infobae.com)

Why Is Breast Cancer the Most Prevalent Cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide. In 2022, there were 2.3 million new cases and 670,000 deaths from the disease.

Its high prevalence is linked to a combination of risk factors, including age, family history, obesity, alcohol consumption, and radiation exposure. However, about half of breast cancer cases occur in women with no known risk factors other than being over 40 years old.

Why Is Breast Cancer More Deadly in Low-Income Countries?

Low Human Development Index (HDI) countries face a disproportionately high mortality burden from breast cancer. While incidence is higher in high-income nations, mortality rates are significantly greater in low-income regions.

This disparity is driven by:
✔ Late-stage diagnosis
✔ Limited access to treatment
✔ Insufficient healthcare infrastructure
✔ Lack of awareness programs

As a result, women in low-resource countries often seek medical attention only when the disease has advanced, reducing survival rates.

Prevention and Early Detection

Early detection and prevention are key to reducing breast cancer incidence and mortality. Strategies include:

✔ Maintaining a healthy weight
✔ Limiting alcohol consumption
✔ Avoiding smoking
✔ Engaging in regular physical activity

Routine breast self-exams and mammograms can help detect abnormalities at early stages, leading to more effective treatments. However, in low-income countries, these programs face barriers such as limited resources and lack of trained personnel.

Age Groups Most Affected

The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Most cases are diagnosed in middle-aged and older women, with an average age at diagnosis of 62 years.

However, in Latin America, a significant percentage of cases occur in women under 45, creating additional socioeconomic and family-related challenges.

Conclusion

The projected increase in breast cancer incidence and mortality highlights the urgent need for global interventions, particularly in low-income countries. Strengthening healthcare systems, implementing early detection programs, and raising awareness about risk factors are essential steps to address this growing public health crisis.