Although breast cancer mortality has reduced by more than 40% in most high-income countries, a Lancet commission warns that one million people will die from the disease by 2040, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The authors highlight some of the knowledge gaps that persist about the disease, such as the lack of knowledge about the number of patients living with metastatic breast cancer and their needs, or the costs associated with breast cancer - including physical, psychological, social and economic costs - which, according to the authors, are immense but underestimated, and not adequately reflected in global health indicators.
comisión Lancet - Olga Monteagudo EN
Olga Monteagudo Piqueras
Head of the Health Promotion and Education Service at the Regional Ministry of Health of the Region of Murcia, General Directorate of Public Health and Addictions
This work is very good and interesting. The Lancet Breast Cancer Commission uses the scientific method to highlight the existing opportunities for the overall improvement (in prevention, treatment, and follow-up) of breast cancer management, which, worldwide, is the most frequent type of cancer.
Based on the existing scientific evidence, the study makes a series of proposals aimed mainly at public policymakers to guarantee their effectiveness and feasibility. Worldwide, the overall aims are to:
- Ramp up prevention efforts, focusing on factors that can be modified, such as alcohol consumption in women (a risk factor for breast cancer).
- Improve early detection of breast cancer.
- Take women's preferences for treatment into account and ensure that they take an active part throughout the whole process.
- Create and improve information systems (cancer registries).
- Research the societal return on investment.
The group of experts proposes that implementing these measures will reduce the inequalities in breast cancer management amongst women.
comisión Lancet - Miguel Martín EN
Miguel Martín
Head of the Medical Oncology Department of the Gregorio Marañón Hospital and president of GEICAM
This is a proper article with highly trustable authors. Their claims essentially refer to low-income countries. In Spain, the treatment and approach to breast cancer is correct.
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Charlotte E Coles et al.
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