Breast cancer

Breast cancer: prevention and fight against the disease Introduction

Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women both in developed and developing countries. The incidence of breast cancer increasing in the developing world due to a longer life expectancy, increasing urbanization and the adoption of Western lifestyles.

Although some risk reduction can be achieved by prevention, such strategies do not eliminate the majority of breast cancers that occur in countries with low and middle income where the disease is diagnosed at stages well advanced. Therefore, early detection to improve the outcome of the disease and survival is the main way to fight against breast cancer.

Recommended strategies for early detection in countries with low and middle income is the recognition of early signs and symptoms, and screening by clinical breast examination in pilot areas. Mammography screening is very expensive and is only recommended in countries with good medical facilities that have the means to develop a long-term program.

Many countries with low and middle income who are facing the double burden of cervical cancer of the uterus and breast cancer need to implement interventions are a cost / effective and affordable to address these diseases that can be easily prevented.

WHO is promoting the fight against breast cancer as part of national fight against cancer and advocates its integration in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases and the fight against these diseases. With the support of the Komen Foundation, the WHO is currently, and for five years, a study on the cost / effectiveness of screening for breast cancer in 10 countries with low and middle income.

The project includes a tool for assessing the cost of programs to determine whether they are affordable. It is hoped that the results of this project will provide evidence that will design appropriate policies to fight against breast cancer in less developed countries.