How many women are diagnosed with breast cancer?4 answersIn 2020, breast cancer became the most diagnosed cancer globally, with 2.3 million women diagnosed that year. The estimated number of new breast cancer cases diagnosed in 2012 was 1.67 million, making it the most common cancer in women. Additionally, approximately 40-45,000 women die from breast cancer each year, with most deaths due to metastatic recurrence of stage I-III cancers. The incidence of breast cancer is expected to continue increasing, with cases projected to reach 364,000 by 2040. These statistics highlight the significant impact of breast cancer on women globally, emphasizing the importance of early detection and awareness initiatives to improve outcomes and reduce mortality rates.
What proportion of cases of breast cancer in cancer registries are detected through screening?5 answersApproximately 15.4% of breast cancer cases detected through screening are estimated to be overdiagnosed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of participants undergoing breast cancer screening significantly decreased by 20.6%, leading to a decrease in cancer detection by 22.8%. National tumor registries like the NCDB and SEER have shown improvements in case coverage over time, with the NCDB covering 77.5% and SEER covering 46.0% of breast cancer cases compared to a national population cancer registry. In Chile, a study found that a systematic breast cancer screening program could improve patient prognosis and survival rates, with screen-detected cases showing better overall and invasive disease-free survival compared to self-detected/symptomatic cases.
How effective is breast cancer screening?5 answersBreast cancer screening is effective in reducing stage at diagnosis, treatment morbidity, and disease mortality. Annual mammography starting at age 40 is associated with the greatest reduction in breast cancer mortality and the greatest number of life-years saved. Screening mammography is the primary imaging modality used in breast screening programs, and digital mammography has similar sensitivity but greater specificity than conventional film mammography. Screening examinations, such as clinical and self-breast examinations, mammography, genetic screening, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging, are used to detect breast cancer before symptoms appear. Breast cancer screening also allows for the detection of precancerous diseases and chronic inflammation processes, contributing to effective secondary prevention. Overall, breast cancer screening plays a crucial role in early detection and treatment, leading to a reduction in breast cancer mortality.
What are the factors that affect cervical cancer screening amongst women in West Africa?5 answersFactors that affect cervical cancer screening amongst women in West Africa include poor knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, low risk perception of cervical cancer, fear of test results and fear of screening, lack of access to screening services, high cost of screening services, poor partner attitude and acceptance of the service, inadequate sensitization, and ignorance about the usefulness of screening. Other barriers include the perception of an additional burden of having a cervical cancer diagnosis. Sociodemographic factors such as age, religion, employment status, and marital status can also influence screening participation. Lack of information and forgetfulness were reported as barriers to re-screening. Developing better information approaches, increasing healthcare worker prescriptions for screening, and diversifying communication methods are recommended to improve screening participation.
What are some known technologies on breast cancer in Africa ?4 answersBreast cancer research in Africa has focused on various technologies and approaches. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) has been used to analyze the coding regions and exon-intron junctions of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in young women with breast cancer in Burkina Faso, leading to the identification of pathogenic mutations and variants of uncertain clinical significance. Pharmacogenetic and pharmacokinetic studies have explored the genetic variabilities associated with the metabolism and/or transport of breast cancer drugs, with a focus on genes such as CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4/5, CYP19A1, UGT1A4, UGT2B7, UGT2B15, SLC22A16, SLC38A7, FcγR, DPYD, ABCB1, and SULT1A1. Studies have also examined the prevalence of triple negative and basal-like breast cancer in different African populations, using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine the absence of estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER-2 receptor overexpression. Pathology services in sub-Saharan Africa face challenges in terms of equipment, organization, and qualified personnel, with limited access to immunohistochemistry for biomarker evaluation. Overall, there is a need for larger numbers of experienced pathologists, technical staff, and standardized pathology services to improve breast cancer care in Africa.
What are some works being done using technology to improve breast cancer awareness in Africa ?4 answersBreast cancer awareness programs in Africa are utilizing technology to improve knowledge and understanding of the disease. One study conducted in Uganda and South Africa used electronic tablets to collect data on breast and cervical cancer symptom and risk factor awareness. Another study identified a lack of validated tools to measure breast and cervical cancer symptom awareness in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and developed the African Women Awareness of CANcer (AWACAN) tool to address this gap. Additionally, a study in Nigeria found that internet and media channels played a significant role in raising awareness of breast cancer among university students. These efforts highlight the importance of using technology, such as electronic tablets and media sources, to reach a wider audience and improve breast cancer awareness in Africa.