Breast cancer was responsible for 2.3 million diagnoses and 670,000 deaths globally in 2022
A new report led by the University of Cambridge and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has highlighted inequalities among people living with breast cancer.
Published by the Lancet Commission, the report sets out several recommendations to tackle these challenges in breast cancer and builds on previous evidence, new data and patient voices.
According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer was responsible for 2.3 million diagnoses and 670,000 global deaths in 2022.
Despite recent improvements in breast cancer, including advances in diagnosis and treatment, many people are still disproportionately affected.
The commission revealed that progress in research and cancer management has led to a decrease of over 40% in breast cancer mortality, with estimates suggesting that the global breast cancer incidence will increase from 2.3 million new cases in 2020 to over three million by 2040.
The report also highlights that the number of people currently living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is currently unknown.
The authors make a case for 70% of registries globally to record cancer stage and relapse, which could drive major improvements in MBC care, outcomes and emotional well-being.
The commission sheds light on the under-recognised costs of breast cancer, including physical, psychological, social and financial costs. Approximately 27% of patients with early breast cancer and 35% with MBC reported financial problems.
The report advocates for new tools to capture costs associated with the disease, encouraging policymakers to invest in breast cancer prevention, early detection, cost-effective therapy, optimal management, financial protection and other interventions to relieve suffering.
The report also calls for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to receive communication skills training and for patient involvement in all stages of clinical research on breast cancer.
Professor Charlotte Coles from the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust commented: “We hope that… these inequities,… hidden costs and suffering in breast cancer… can be better recognised and addressed by HCPs and policymakers in partnership with patients and the public around the world.”

https://pharmatimes.com/news/new-uk-report-highlights-inequalities-among-people-living-with-breast-cancer/