By Zoila Palma: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for greater awareness and action to improve early detection, timely diagnosis and access to quality breast cancer care.
This year’s theme, “Every story is unique, every journey matters,” recognizes that each person’s experience with breast cancer is different and emphasizes the importance of treating those affected with dignity and support.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide.
WHO estimates that 2.4 million women were diagnosed with the disease in 2024, while 694,000 women died from it.
Breast cancer occurs in every country and can affect women at any age after puberty, with incidence increasing later in life. WHO notes that about 80% of breast cancers occur in women who have no specific risk factors other than being female and increasing age.
WHO is encouraging women to be aware of changes in their breasts and seek medical advice when something appears unusual. Possible signs include a breast lump or thickening, changes in breast size or shape, changes to the skin or nipple, or abnormal or bloody nipple discharge.
WHO also highlights significant global inequalities in survival, with an estimated 41% of women in low-income countries surviving at least five years after diagnosis compared with 87% in high-income countries.
Through its Global Breast Cancer Initiative, WHO is calling on countries to strengthen breast cancer services and reduce disparities in outcomes.
The post World Health Organization: Almost 700,000 women died from breast cancer in 2024 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for greater awareness and action to improve early detection, timely diagnosis and access to quality breast cancer care. This year’s theme, “Every story is unique, every journey matters,” recognizes that each person’s experience with breast cancer is different
The post World Health Organization: Almost 700,000 women died from breast cancer in 2024 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
