Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women, impacting
2.1 million women each year, and also causes the greatest number
of cancer-related deaths among women. In 2018, it is estimated that 627,000 women died from breast cancer – that is approximately
15% of all cancer deaths among women. While breast cancer rates
are higher among women in more developed regions, rates are
increasing in nearly every region globally.
In order to improve breast cancer outcomes and survival, early
detection is critical.
There are two early detection strategies for breast cancer: early diagnosis and screening. Limited resource settings with weak health systems where the majority of women are diagnosed in late stages should prioritize early diagnosis programmes based on awareness of early signs and symptoms and prompt referral to diagnosis and treatment.
