October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of screening and early detection, and celebrating the lives of all those who have been a part of the fight against Breast Cancer, as patients, healthcare workers, families and researchers.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, with approximately 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year. In South Africa, breast cancer represents a significant health challenge, particularly among women, where it accounts for a substantial proportion of cancer-related mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that about 70% of breast cancer deaths occur in resource-constrained settings, emphasizing the need for effective early detection and treatment strategies.
In response to this pressing issue, the WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) in 2021, aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality by 2.5% annually by 2040. This initiative focuses on three critical pillars: health promotion for early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive management of breast cancer. The goal is to save 2.5 million lives by enhancing awareness and access to screening services.
In South Africa, the implementation of clinical guidelines for breast cancer control is crucial. These guidelines provide a framework for healthcare providers to ensure that women receive appropriate screening and treatment. Regular mammograms and clinical breast examinations are essential for early detection, which significantly improves treatment outcomes. However, barriers such as limited access to healthcare facilities and low awareness levels often hinder compliance with screening recommendations.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October serves as an important reminder of the need for increased advocacy and education regarding breast health. It encourages regular self-examinations and medical screenings. By fostering a supportive environment where women feel empowered to discuss their health concerns, we can improve early detection rates and ultimately reduce the burden of breast cancer in South Africa.
As we reflect on these efforts, it is vital that all stakeholders—governments, healthcare providers, and communities—work together to ensure that nobody faces breast cancer alone.
References:
World Health Organization. (2022). Breast cancer. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer 1
World Health Organization. (2021). WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative: Breast cancer awareness month. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/10/01/default-calendar/who-global-breast-cancer-initiative–breast-cancer-awareness-month 5
South African National Department of Health. (2019). Clinical Guidelines for Breast Cancer Control and Management. Retrieved from https://knowledgehub.health.gov.za/elibrary/clinical-guidelines-breast-cancer-control-and-management 4
World Health Organization. (2021). Global Breast Cancer Initiative: Reducing global breast cancer mortality. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/06-07-2021-new-recommendations-for-screening-and-treatment-to-prevent-cervical-cancer 3
European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines: Breast Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/guidelines-by-topic/esmo-clinical-practice-guidelines-breast-cancer