By Zoila Palma: October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighting the theme “Every story is unique, every journey matters” and calling for greater awareness, timely diagnosis, and access to quality breast cancer care.
The campaign recognizes that every person’s experience with breast cancer is different, shaped by their diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and access to health services.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide.
According to WHO, an estimated 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, while 694,000 women died from the disease. By the end of that year, approximately 8.2 million women were living with breast cancer.
The disease occurs in every country and can affect women at any age after puberty, with incidence increasing later in life.
WHO says knowing the potential risk factors and recognizing changes in breast health can support earlier diagnosis. Risk factors include increasing age, obesity, alcohol use, family history, radiation exposure, reproductive history, and tobacco use. However, approximately 80% of breast cancers occur in women without a specific modifiable risk factor other than being female and increasing age. Possible warning signs include a breast lump or thickening, changes in breast size or shape, skin or nipple changes, and abnormal or bloody nipple discharge.
The organization is also highlighting significant global inequalities in breast cancer survival. WHO estimates that about 41% of women in low-income countries are expected to survive at least five years after a breast cancer diagnosis, compared with 87% in high-income countries, while approximately 70% of breast cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
WHO says countries can reduce deaths by strengthening early detection, ensuring timely diagnosis, and making effective treatment and supportive care accessible as part of universal health coverage.
The post Pink-tober commences, World Health Organization urges action to close gaps in breast cancer care appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighting the theme “Every story is unique, every journey matters” and calling for greater awareness, timely diagnosis, and access to quality breast cancer care. The campaign recognizes that every person’s experience with breast cancer is different, shaped by their diagnosis,
The post Pink-tober commences, World Health Organization urges action to close gaps in breast cancer care appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
