Breast Cancer Cases Projected to Surge: A Global Health Challenge
A new analysis published in The Lancet Oncology reveals a concerning trend: global breast cancer cases are expected to rise significantly, increasing by a third from 2.3 million in 2023 to over 3.5 million in 2050. The study, leveraging data from cancer registries across more than 200 countries, underscores the growing impact of this disease worldwide.
The Shifting Burden of Disease
Whereas women in high-income countries often benefit from early detection programs and comprehensive treatment, the increasing burden of breast cancer is shifting towards low- and lower-middle-income countries. Patients in these regions frequently face later diagnoses, limited access to quality care, and higher mortality rates.
Preventable Risk Factors: A Ray of Hope
Despite the projected increase, the research highlights a crucial point: a significant proportion of breast cancer cases are linked to preventable factors. The analysis indicates that over a quarter of years of healthy life lost due to breast cancer globally could be avoided by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Specifically, avoiding smoking, maintaining sufficient physical activity, reducing red meat consumption, and achieving a healthy body mass index (BMI) are key preventative measures. These findings echo previous research from Cancer Research UK, which suggests that over 4 in 10 cancer cases in the UK are potentially preventable through lifestyle changes.
The Impact of Lifestyle Choices
In 2023, six modifiable risk factors accounted for 28% of the global breast cancer burden. High red meat consumption had the largest impact, linked to nearly 11% of years of healthy life lost. Tobacco leverage (including secondhand smoke) contributed to 8%, while high blood sugar levels accounted for 6%. A high BMI, excessive alcohol consumption, and low physical activity each contributed 2%.
Age and Incidence Rates
The study too revealed a disparity in incidence rates based on age. In 2023, women aged 55 and older accounted for three times more new breast cancer cases than those aged 20-54 (161 cases per 100,000 women versus 50 cases). However, the rate of new cases in younger women has increased by almost a third (29%) since 1990, while the rate in older women has remained relatively stable.
Dense Breasts and Screening Challenges
Recent research also highlights the challenges of detecting breast cancer in women with dense breasts. Regular mammograms can be less effective in these cases, as dense tissue can obscure tumors on X-rays. A study suggests that offering enhanced scans to women with dense breasts could find 3,500 more cases and save 700 lives a year in the UK.
AI’s Role in Improving Screening
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a promising tool to improve breast cancer screening. Preliminary results from a major trial indicate that AI-supported screening is as effective as two radiologists working together, almost halving their workload without increasing false positives.
Expert Perspectives
“Breast cancer continues to have a profound impact on the lives of women and communities,” says Kayleigh Bhangdia, from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington and lead author of the study. Claire Rowney, CEO of Breast Cancer Now, emphasizes that this research is “a stark reminder that breast cancer continues to take and devastate too many lives around the world.” Sophie Brooks, a health information manager at Cancer Research UK, stresses that “prevention remains a key way to reduce incidence, as a significant number of global breast cancer cases are linked to preventable factors.”
Did you understand?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle could prevent over 25% of years of healthy life lost due to breast cancer globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the projected increase in breast cancer cases by 2050?
Cases are projected to increase by a third, to over 3.5 million. - What are some preventable risk factors for breast cancer?
Smoking, lack of physical activity, high red meat consumption, and a high BMI are all preventable risk factors. - Does age affect breast cancer incidence?
Yes, women 55 and older are more likely to be diagnosed, but incidence rates are rising in younger women.
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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/6-yeu-to-loi-song-tac-dong-den-nguy-co-ung-thu-vu-20260304171134114.htm
