Breast cancer in the Americas

In the Americas, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. More than 462,000 women are newly diagnosed and aproximately 100,000 women die from breast cancer each year. This is expected to increase by 34% in the Americas by 2030, if current trends continue.

In high income countries, organized screening programs with mammography have led to earlier diagnosis, and coupled with effective treatment, have led to reductions in breast cancer mortality. There are many challenges, however in implementing such effective organized screening programs in limited resource settings. Therefore, raising awareness and understanding about breast cancer risks, early signs and symptoms and overall breast health awareness is an important part of a public health approach for breast cancer.

Join the October Breast Cancer Awareness month campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and support women to reduce their breast cancer risks, be screened and seek medical attention, if a suspicious lump is detected.

(Taken from the webpage of the Pan-American Health organization: www.paho.org)