Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. During October, breast cancer awareness month, community outreach should be prioritised to bring awareness to anyone affected. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. The stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis strongly correlates with patient prognosis.
Some risk factors can be reduced, including alcohol use, obesity and hormone therapy. Others are unchangeable, including age and genetic mutations. Public education can promote risk-reducing behaviours, leading to decreased mortality. Genetic testing can also be performed on high-risk individuals to catch cancer early.
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Access to screening and treatment is uneven across the globe. Low and middle-income countries and underserved populations in high-income countries tend to have limited access to breast healthcare, which includes mammography, follow-up and modern therapies. Low access contributes to higher mortality from breast cancer. Mammograms should begin in women between the ages of 40 and 50.
Treatment options vary depending on the stage and type of breast cancer. Early stages may be treated with breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), where the tumour is removed, rather than a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast. Other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy. Efforts to address access issues should include affordability, infrastructure, transportation and community outreach. According to GlobalData market research, mammography equipment is expected to continue to grow in volume, while the global average selling price comes down. A decrease in equipment price may allow some underserved communities to acquire these devices in the coming years.
