Category: BREAST CANCER

Beyond Treatment: What Project 528 Reveals About Young Women Living with Advanced Breast Cancer

The hidden burden of diagnosis, the need for holistic care, and Kapa3’s commitment to patient navigation, psychosocial support and empowerment.

A cancer diagnosis at a young age affects far more than physical health. It can disrupt education, employment, family life, personal relationships, financial security and plans for the future. For young women living with advanced breast cancer, these challenges are often particularly complex, as they must navigate treatment and uncertainty while continuing to fulfil multiple personal, professional and family responsibilities.

The findings of Project 528, a global needs assessment led by the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), provide important evidence of these often-overlooked realities.

Presented at the 8th International Consensus Conference for Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC8) in Lisbon in November 2025, the survey gathered 3,881 responses from 67 countries. The findings presented at the conference focused on 385 young respondents under the age of 40 living with advanced breast cancer.

The results highlight significant gaps in access to information, psychological support, financial protection, practical assistance and meaningful participation in healthcare decisions.

Above all, they reinforce an essential message: cancer care must address the whole person, not only the disease.

The revealing findings of Project 528

The survey findings offer a compelling picture of the challenges experienced by young women with advanced breast cancer and demonstrate how deeply the disease affects everyday life.

Motherhood and family responsibilities

Almost half of the respondents (48%) had children under the age of 18.

For young mothers, living with advanced breast cancer means balancing demanding treatment schedules, physical symptoms and emotional uncertainty with the everyday responsibilities of raising children.

Childcare, family routines and concerns about their children’s future can become considerable sources of distress.

These findings highlight the importance of family-centred supportive care that recognises both the needs of patients and those of their loved ones.

Employment disruption and financial toxicity

The socioeconomic consequences of advanced breast cancer are substantial.

64% of respondents reported disruption to their employment following diagnosis, while 40% accumulated medical debt.

According to the detailed Project 528 report, the proportion of respondents who considered themselves financially secure fell from 51% before diagnosis to just 7% during treatment.

These findings illustrate the phenomenon of financial toxicity: the economic burden associated with cancer, including loss of income, treatment-related expenditure, travel costs, caregiving responsibilities and reduced employment opportunities.

Financial insecurity can further intensify emotional distress and create additional barriers to accessing appropriate care.

For younger patients, whose careers and financial independence may still be developing, the consequences can extend well beyond the treatment period.

Psychological distress and quality of life

80% of respondents reported psychological distress or mental health difficulties.

Concerns relating to body image, fertility, sexual health, emotional well-being and loss of independence were widespread, yet were often insufficiently addressed within routine cancer care.

For many young women, advanced breast cancer also raises difficult questions about identity, relationships, intimacy, motherhood and the future.

These challenges demonstrate why psychosocial support should not be viewed as an optional addition to cancer treatment.

It is an essential component of comprehensive, person-centred oncology care.

Delays in seeking care and diagnosis

The survey also revealed important gaps in awareness and early detection.

40% of respondents reported delaying their initial medical consultation. Contributing factors included fear, limited awareness of symptoms and experiences of having their concerns dismissed or underestimated by healthcare professionals.

Only 14% reported being diagnosed through screening or routine medical care, while 85% sought diagnosis after identifying symptoms themselves.

These findings point to the need for greater awareness of breast cancer in younger populations, timely clinical assessment of concerning symptoms and improved communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

They also remind us that young age should not automatically lead to the dismissal of potentially significant symptoms.

Gaps in information and access to precision medicine

The findings also identified differences in access to diagnostic testing and understanding of treatment options.

Although 90% reported undergoing genetic testing for inherited mutations, only 59% had received genomic or companion diagnostic testing to investigate characteristics of the tumour.

Such testing, when clinically indicated, can provide valuable information to support personalised treatment decisions.

Moreover, only 46% of respondents reported being offered more than one treatment option, while targeted therapies were among the least understood treatment approaches.

These results highlight the importance of accessible medical information, effective patient–professional communication and shared decision-making.

Online patient communities also emerged as valuable sources of information, peer support and empowerment. However, the detailed Project 528 report found that 43% had not been referred to peer-support or patient advocacy groups by their healthcare teams.

As Jennifer Merschdorf, Chief Executive Officer of the Young Survival Coalition, emphasised, healthcare systems too often place the burden of self-advocacy on patients who are already coping with fatigue, fear and financial strain.

The Kapa3 connection: From identifying needs to meaningful action

The findings of Project 528 are more than statistics. They reveal the personal, social and economic dimensions of cancer that healthcare systems must increasingly recognise and address.

Although the survey reflects experiences reported across different countries and healthcare contexts, many of the challenges it identifies are also relevant to the needs that cancer patients and families may encounter in Greece.

At Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Center, we believe that the experience of cancer extends far beyond hospital appointments, medical consultations and treatment decisions.

Cancer affects the ability to work, care for loved ones, maintain financial stability, access essential services and participate fully in everyday life.

Our mission is to help bridge the gap between medical care and the practical, social and emotional needs that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Patient navigation and guidance within healthcare and social support systems

As Professor Fatima Cardoso, President of the ABC Global Alliance, has highlighted, equitable access to appropriate diagnostics, personalised treatment and comprehensive supportive care is essential.

At Kapa3, we provide free patient navigation and social guidance services, helping people affected by cancer and their families better understand their rights and access available forms of support.

Our work includes guidance on administrative procedures, disability assessment and certification, social benefits, insurance-related matters, workplace rights and available community resources.

Through individualised support and cooperation with relevant services, we aim to reduce the bureaucratic and informational barriers that patients frequently encounter.

No person affected by cancer should have to navigate a complex health and welfare system alone.

Psychosocial support and quality of life

With psychological distress affecting such a high proportion of young patients in the Project 528 survey, emotional and psychosocial care must be recognised as a central part of the cancer journey.

Kapa3 provides psychological support services adapted to the needs of patients and caregivers, alongside social guidance and referrals to appropriate specialised services when necessary.

We recognise the importance of offering a supportive environment where people can discuss emotional uncertainty, changes in family and personal relationships, body image concerns, fear of recurrence or progression, and the challenges of adapting to life with cancer.

Our approach promotes dignity, emotional resilience and a more comprehensive understanding of quality of life.

Practical assistance and support for families

For a young mother living with advanced breast cancer, routine tasks can become overwhelming.

Childcare arrangements, travel for treatment, household responsibilities, employment obligations and financial pressures may all create additional burdens.

Kapa3 supports patients and caregivers by identifying their practical needs, providing information and connecting them with appropriate social services, community resources and support structures.

Through collaboration with local authorities, healthcare professionals and community organisations, we seek to strengthen continuity of support and help families navigate everyday challenges.

Empowerment, health literacy and patient advocacy

One of the strongest messages emerging from Project 528 is that reliable information is a fundamental resource for patient empowerment.

At Kapa3, we work to strengthen health literacy, informed participation and patient advocacy.

We encourage patients to ask questions, understand the information provided by their healthcare teams, become aware of relevant diagnostic and treatment options, and participate actively in decisions affecting their lives.

Our role is not to replace medical advice, but to help people access trustworthy information and feel better prepared to communicate with healthcare professionals.

At the same time, we advocate for more inclusive health and social policies that recognise the particular challenges experienced by adolescents and young adults affected by cancer (AYAs).

These include employment protection, financial security, psychosocial needs, family responsibilities, fertility-related concerns and continuity of care.

Moving forward together: Advocating for a better quality of life

Project 528 offers an important roadmap for researchers, healthcare professionals, patient organisations and policymakers.

It demonstrates the urgent need for healthcare systems that are not only medically effective, but also accessible, coordinated, compassionate and responsive to the realities of people’s lives.

The findings should be interpreted in the context of the survey’s limitations, including its reliance on self-reported experiences and uneven geographical representation. Nevertheless, they provide valuable patient-reported evidence that can inform further research and improvements in supportive care.

Behind every diagnosis is a woman who wants to continue living, loving, working, raising her children, building relationships and making plans for the future.

As Christina Thammasen, who shared her experience of living with metastatic breast cancer, reminds us:

“You have to keep fighting, you have to keep moving forward, you have to keep living your life.”

At Kapa3, we remain committed to ensuring that no woman, no young adult and no family affected by cancer has to face these challenges without information, guidance or support.

We advocate for a model of holistic, person-centred cancer care that extends beyond treatment and recognises every dimension of human life.

Because cancer care is not only about treatment. It is about protecting dignity, supporting everyday life and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Need support?

If you are a young person affected by cancer, a patient or a caregiver seeking guidance, psychological support or information about your rights, the Kapa3 team is here to help.

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Center

Telephone: +30 210 5221424
Email: info@kapa3.gr
Website: www.kapa3.gr

Sources and further reading

  1. Young Survival Coalition. Project 528 – First Look ABC Data: Global Needs Assessment of Young Adults Affected by Advanced Breast Cancer (2025).
    https://project528.youngsurvival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MBC-Report-Project528_11.2025.pdf
  2. ABC Global Alliance / ecancer. First global survey highlights challenges faced by young women with advanced breast cancer. 6 November 2025.
    https://ecancer.org/en/news/27226-first-global-survey-highlights-challenges-faced-by-young-women-with-advanced-breast-cancer
  3. Oncology Central. ABC8: Global survey highlights challenges that young breast cancer patients face. 6 November 2025.
    https://www.oncology-central.com/abc8-global-survey-highlights-challenges-that-young-breast-cancer-patients-face/
  4. Project 528 – Official website and research findings.
    https://project528.youngsurvival.org/results/

Article edited by:
Elena Panopoulou, Sociologist, Kapa3 Tripoli Team
Email: elenak3team@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Elena Panopoulou

New Scientific Publication with the Participation of Kapa3: Cancer Survivorship in the Post-COVID-19 Era

New scientific publication involving the Cancer Patient Guidance Center – Kapa3 highlights the significant psychological, social, and functional challenges that people living with and beyond cancer continue to face following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The article, entitled “Cancer Survivorship After COVID-19: Psychological Burden, Symptom Experience, and Social Support,” was published in the international peer-reviewed journal Medicina. It examines psychological distress, symptom experience, quality of life, and the protective role of social support among people affected by cancer.

What Did the Study Examine?

The research involved 162 adults diagnosed with cancer in Greece during the post-COVID-19 period. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, stress, health-related quality of life, and perceived social support.

The results revealed a substantial and persistent psychological burden:

  • 32.1% of participants reported severe or extremely severe depression.
  • 40.1% reported severe or extremely severe anxiety.
  • 29% reported severe or extremely severe stress.

The overall quality of life of participants was found to be moderate. Emotional and social functioning were among the most affected areas, while fatigue, insomnia, breathlessness, and financial difficulties emerged as some of the most significant challenges in everyday life.

The Close Relationship Between Mental Health and Quality of Life

One of the study’s key findings was the strong relationship between psychological distress and poorer quality of life.

Higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with:

  • poorer daily and functional performance;
  • lower perceived overall health;
  • greater symptom severity;
  • increased difficulty in emotional and social functioning.

The results demonstrate that psychological well-being cannot be separated from the physical, social, and practical experience of cancer.

Social Support as a Protective Factor

At the same time, the study underlines the important protective role of social support.

Support from family members, friends, and other significant people was associated with better overall health and functioning, lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and reduced symptom burden.

The findings show that social connection is not simply an additional element of care. It is a meaningful component of recovery, adaptation, and quality of life throughout the cancer journey.

Cancer Survivorship Does Not End When Treatment Is Completed

The findings reinforce the need to move beyond a model of oncology care focused exclusively on treating the disease.

Cancer survivorship requires a comprehensive, person-centred approach that addresses the physical, psychological, social, functional, and financial dimensions of life with and after cancer.

Routine psychological assessment, early identification of emotional distress, timely referral to psycho-oncology services, rehabilitation, social support, and the meaningful involvement of families and caregivers should become integral parts of standard oncology care.

The study also points to the potential value of telehealth and digital support services in improving access to supportive care. At the same time, it highlights inequalities related to digital literacy, healthcare accessibility, and the ability of all patients to benefit equally from digital services.

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that effective cancer care must be resilient, accessible, multidisciplinary, and capable of maintaining continuity even during periods of crisis.

Read more medicina-4429149

October 25 – World Breast Cancer Awareness Day

October 25 has been established as World Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting people living with this disease. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, affecting approximately 2.3 million women each year, with 670,000 deaths, while in Greece around 6,000 new cases are diagnosed annually (Source: Globocan 2025). These are not just numbers—they are mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who deserve hope and dignity.

Survival chances depend on access to early detection and effective treatment: in high-income countries, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%, while in countries such as India it is 66% and in South Africa only 40%. These inequalities highlight the urgent need for coordinated international action, as incidence and mortality are projected to rise by 40% by 2050 if current trends continue.

Breat scancer does not affect only women—around 1% of diagnoses occur in men, a fact often overlooked. Awareness and education must be inclusive so that no one is left unprotected.

The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative, established in 2021, works with countries to reduce breast cancer mortality by strengthening health systems and facilitating access to diagnosis and treatment.

At the same time, psychosocial support for patients and their families is crucial, as a diagnosis affects all aspects of life, from work to daily routines and mental well-being.

International Breast Cancer Awareness Day also calls on communities, health organizations, and authorities to collaborate to improve access to screening and treatment services. Raising awareness about risk factors—such as genetics, age, and lifestyle—and promoting healthy habits helps prevent the disease and reduce health inequalities.

Every individual can contribute: schedule a mammogram, remind friends to do the same, support nonprofit organizations, or participate in awareness activities. Even small gestures, like wearing a pink ribbon or sharing reliable information on social media, make a difference.

At Kapa3, we believe that every woman and person living with cancer deserves support, knowledge, and access to high-quality treatments. Through initiatives in awareness, social support, and empowerment, our goal is to build a society where no life is endangered by lack of information, resources, or care, and wher

e hope and solidarity become powerful allies in the fight against the disease.

Read more on breast cancer:

https://www.kapa3.gr/en/raising-the-standards-europe-s-qa-scheme-for-breast-cancer-services/

Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors: What You Can and Can’t Change

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Sources: https://gco.iarc.fr/en

https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-breast-cancer-initiative

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors: What You Can and Can’t Change

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, share knowledge, and remind ourselves of the importance of early detection and prevention. One of the most common questions people ask is: “What can I do to lower my risk of breast cancer?”

The truth is that while doctors don’t know exactly what causes breast cancer, research has identified certain factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Some of these are beyond our control, while others are linked to lifestyle choices and can be modified. By learning the difference, we empower ourselves to take the best possible care of our health.

Unchangeable Risk Factors

Some risk factors cannot be avoided. These include:

  • Sex: Being female or assigned female at birth is the biggest risk factor.
  • Age: Risk increases with age; two out of three invasive breast cancers occur in women 55 or older.
  • Family History and Genetics: A family history of breast cancer or inherited genetic mutations (such as BRCA1/2) increases risk.
  • Personal History: Women previously diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to develop it again.
  • Past Radiation: Radiation to the chest or face before age 30 raises risk.
  • Certain Breast Conditions: Some non-cancerous breast changes are linked to higher risk.

Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors

Our daily habits and choices also play a significant role:

  • Weight: Being overweight, especially after menopause, increases risk.
  • Physical Activity: Lack of regular exercise is linked to higher risk.
  • Smoking and Alcohol: Both are associated with increased breast cancer risk.
  • Hormonal Factors: Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or hormonal contraception may raise risk in some women.
  • Reproductive History: Age at first childbirth, number of pregnancies, and breastfeeding history all influence risk.
  • Menstrual History: Early onset of menstruation is associated with slightly higher risk.

Emerging Risk Factors

Research is ongoing, but some additional factors are being studied, such as:

  • Low vitamin D levels.
  • Night-shift work and exposure to bright light at night.
  • Exposure to chemicals (in food, plastics, cosmetics, sunscreens, pesticides, pollution).
  • Frequent consumption of grilled or smoked meats.
  • High levels of air pollution.

Myths and Misconceptions

It’s equally important to clear up what does not increase risk. Research shows no evidence that abortion, antiperspirants, bras, or dairy products cause breast cancer.

We may not be able to control every risk factor, but every small step toward a healthier lifestyle truly makes a difference. Exercise, balanced nutrition, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking are not just prevention measures — they’re acts of daily self-care.
At Kapa3, we believe that awareness and support save lives. No one is ever alone on this journey. We promise to continue to speak openly, share knowledge, and stand beside every woman. Because awareness is not about fear; it’s about strength, hope, and small steps toward a healthier tomorrow.

Read More here: https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia for Kapa3

Raising the Standards: Europe’s QA Scheme for Breast Cancer Services

The European Quality Assurance (QA) Scheme for Breast Cancer Services, part of the European Commission Initiative on Breast Cancer (ECIBC), is a voluntary certification program covering the full care pathway—from screening to palliative care.

Designed to support quality improvement across Europe, it provides evidence-based guidelines and common quality and safety requirements.

The scheme has been piloted in multiple European countries, confirming its feasibility and usefulness in real healthcare settings. Services meeting the standards can apply for accredited certification, ensuring consistent, high-quality care.

The program is coordinated by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in collaboration with DG SANTE, under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

To learn more, click here 

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is internationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to education, prevention, and support for everyone affected by the disease. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, yet early diagnosis and advances in treatment have significantly improved both quality and length of life.

The event began in 1985 as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society, in partnership with Imperial Chemical Industries, a British company that made tamoxifen. The campaign eventually grew into a month-long event.

The core message of this month is simple but crucial: awareness saves lives. Regular mammograms, self-examinations, and timely medical advice when suspicious signs appear are the most powerful tools for prevention and early detection. International studies show that women who participate in screening programs are more likely to be diagnosed at an early stage, allowing for more effective and less invasive treatment.

However, October is not just about medical tests. It is a month that highlights the importance of psychosocial support and solidarity. Breast cancer affects not only the body but also the mind and spirit. Women – and men – facing this diagnosis need a supportive network of family, friends, healthcare professionals, and organizations to guide, encourage, and stand by them every step of the way.

The Kapa3 Cancer Guidance Center joins the international community in emphasizing the value of accurate information and equitable access to healthcare services. Through informative articles, prevention guides, and psychological support, our goal is to stand by every person in need, providing reliable knowledge and meaningful assistance.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than a campaign: it is a reminder that life can be won when prevention, education, and solidarity become part of our daily practice. October calls on all of us to raise our voices, promote screening, and embrace those fighting their own battles—because no one should face cancer alone.

Stem Cell Therapy: A New Horizon in Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. Despite advances in treatment, it remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Traditional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have improved survival rates, but they often come with significant side effects and may not be effective in all cases, particularly in advanced or metastatic stages of the disease. As the medical community continues to seek more effective and less invasive treatments, stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising frontier in the fight against breast cancer.

Understanding Breast Cancer: A Global Challenge

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast tissue grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body. The causes of breast cancer are multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Early detection through screening programs like mammography has significantly improved outcomes, but the need for more effective treatments remains critical, especially for patients with aggressive or resistant forms of the disease.

Traditional treatments, while often life-saving, can have significant drawbacks. Surgery can be disfiguring and may not completely eliminate the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy and radiation, although effective at killing cancer cells, also damage healthy cells, leading to side effects like fatigue, hair loss, and compromised immune function. Moreover, some breast cancers do not respond well to these treatments, particularly triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks the hormone receptors targeted by many therapies.

This is where stem cell therapy comes into play—a novel approach that has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer treatment.

Stem Cell Therapy: A New Horizon in Breast Cancer Treatment

Stem cell therapy has garnered significant attention in recent years as a potential game-changer in cancer treatment. Unlike traditional therapies that target the symptoms or manifestations of the disease, stem cell therapy aims to address the underlying causes by regenerating damaged tissues, boosting the immune system, and even targeting cancer stem cells that are believed to drive tumor growth and recurrence.

1. Understanding Stem Cells:

  • Stem cells are unique in their ability to develop into different types of cells in the body. They have the potential to repair or replace damaged tissues and can be used to regenerate healthy tissue in areas affected by cancer.
  • There are two primary types of stem cells relevant to cancer therapy: embryonic stem cells, which can differentiate into any cell type, and adult stem cells, which are more limited but still hold significant therapeutic potential. In breast cancer, researchers are particularly interested in the role of cancer stem cells— a small subset of cells within tumors that are resistant to conventional treatments and are thought to be responsible for relapse and metastasis.

2. The Role of Stem Cells in Breast Cancer:

  • One of the most promising aspects of stem cell therapy in breast cancer is its potential to target cancer stem cells. These cells are thought to be the root cause of tumor growth and metastasis, and they often evade traditional therapies, leading to recurrence. By specifically targeting and eliminating these cells, stem cell therapy could significantly reduce the risk of relapse and improve long-term outcomes.
  • Additionally, stem cell therapy can be used to regenerate healthy tissue damaged by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. For example, adipose-derived stem cells (from fat tissue) are being explored for their ability to repair tissue damage after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, improving cosmetic outcomes and reducing the need for additional surgeries.

3. Current Research and Clinical Trials:

  • While stem cell therapy for breast cancer is still in its early stages, there have been promising developments in both preclinical and clinical research. Clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of various stem cell-based therapies for breast cancer.
  • One area of focus is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have shown potential in targeting breast cancer cells and enhancing the effects of chemotherapy. These stem cells can be engineered to deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to tumors, increasing the precision and effectiveness of treatment while minimizing side effects.
  • Another exciting avenue is the use of stem cells in combination with immunotherapy. By enhancing the body’s immune response to cancer, stem cells could help to overcome the immune evasion tactics used by tumors, making immunotherapy more effective.

4. Challenges and Future Directions:

  • Despite the promise of stem cell therapy, there are still significant challenges to overcome. Ensuring the safety of these therapies is paramount, as there is a risk that stem cells could promote tumor growth if not properly controlled. Moreover, the complex nature of cancer stem cells means that therapies must be precisely targeted to avoid unintended consequences.
  • The future of stem cell therapy in breast cancer will likely involve a combination of approaches, integrating stem cells with existing treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. As our understanding of cancer biology continues to grow, so too will the potential of stem cell therapy to provide more effective and less toxic treatment options for breast cancer patients.

    Conclusion: A Promising Future Ahead

    The fight against breast cancer is far from over, but the advent of stem cell therapy offers a new ray of hope. As research continues to advance, this innovative approach could become a cornerstone of breast cancer treatment, offering patients more effective, personalized, and less invasive options. While challenges remain, the potential of stem cell therapy to transform breast cancer care is undeniable, and the ongoing research in this field is something that the medical community and patients alike should watch closely.

    As we move forward, it is essential to continue supporting research and clinical trials that explore the full potential of stem cell therapy in breast cancer. With continued innovation and collaboration, we may one day see a world where breast cancer is not only treatable but curable—thanks in part to the incredible power of stem cells.

    Find more : https://www.linkedin.com/company/medipocketusa/posts/?feedView=all

World Health Organization releases new road map for breast cancer

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new road map on breast cancer, with a target of saving 2.5 millions lives from the disease by 2040.

Currently, there are more than 2.3 million cases of breast cancer that occur each year, making it the most common cancer among adults.

However, survival from breast cancer is widely inequitable between and within countries, WHO reports, with nearly 80% of deaths from breast and cervical cancer occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

“Countries with weaker health systems are least able to manage the increasing burden of breast cancer,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO.

“It places a tremendous strain on individuals, families, communities, health systems and economies, so it must be a priority for ministries of health and governments everywhere,” he added.

WHO’s new global breast cancer framework recommends countries implement ‘three pillars of health promotion’ for early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive management of breast cancer to reach the targets.

This includes investing in breast cancer early-detection programmes so that at least 60% of the patients are diagnosed and treated at an early stage in their disease.

The other pillars include diagnosing breast cancer within 60 days of initial presentation and ensuring treatment starts within three months of first presentation, as well as ensuring at least 80% of patients complete their recommended treatment.

Dr Bente Mikkelsen, WHO director for noncommunicable disease, said: “Countries need to ensure that this framework engages and integrates into primary healthcare. This effort would not only support health promotion, but also empower women to seek and receive health care throughout the life cycle.”

“With effective and sustainable primary healthcare, we can really see a pathway to universal health coverage.”

The new framework which, according to WHO, could prevent millions of otherwise avoidable cancer deaths in women, follows the World Health Assembly passing a resolution in 2017 pushing for the same actions for control.

Since 2018, WHO has developed integrated initiatives in women’s and children’s cancers, also calling for the elimination of cervical cancer and a doubling of childhood cancer survival rates.

Taken together, experts say these initiatives can ‘revert the generational harm’ from cancers and save more than a million lives in the next ten years.

Πηγή: pmlive.com