This Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a plan to prevent 2.5 million cases of breast cancer worldwide by 2040.
The new structure of the Global Breast Cancer Initiative, with the aforementioned roadmap disclosed in the statement, was launched ahead of World Cancer Day on Saturday.
The UN agency recommends that countries apply three levels of health promotion – early detection, timely diagnosis and complete treatment – and sets targets to achieve this.
With regard to early detection programs, the goal is to diagnose and treat 60% of tumors at an early stage, given that diagnosing cancer within 60 days of detection can improve treatment outcomes and that this should start three months after it has become known about the disease. .
According to the plan, another goal is for at least 80% of patients to complete the recommended treatment.
According to the UN health agency, breast cancer is the most common among adults, with more than 2.3 million new cases each year.
“In 95% of countries, breast cancer is the first or second cause of cancer death in women,” the statement said.
WHO draws attention to the large differences in survival rates between countries and regions within a country, indicating that nearly 80% of deaths from breast and cervix (cervical) cancer occur in lower-middle-income countries.
According to the organization, in the richest countries, nine out of 10 patients survive at least five years, while in India – six out of 10, and in South Africa – only four.
Through the new structure, WHO aims to reduce the global death rate from breast cancer by 2.5% per year by 2040.
“Countries with weaker health systems are less able to cope with the growing burden of breast cancer. This is putting enormous pressure on individuals, families, communities, health systems and economies, so this should be a priority for ministries of health and governments around the world.” This was stated by WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, quoted in the statement.
The official pointed out that there is knowledge and tools to prevent this malignant tumor, adding that “WHO is supporting more than 70 countries, especially middle- and low-income countries, so that breast cancer is detected earlier, diagnosed faster and better treated, and all patients can hope for a disease-free future.
The WHO also warns that cancer in women, including breast cancer, has a “devastating impact” on the next generation.
He cites a 2020 study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that, based on an estimate of 4.4 million women who died of cancer that year, estimated that nearly a million children were orphaned, “25% of which are due to cancer.” chest.” .
Bente Mikkelsen, Director of WHO’s Noncommunicable Diseases Division, said countries needed to integrate the new structure into primary health care.
“These efforts will not only promote health but also help women seek and receive health care throughout their lives,” she said, quoted in the statement.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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