October is the month internationally dedicated to breast cancer awareness, and BIREME joins the global efforts for prevention and care. In 2024, the discussion was reinforced by updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which highlight new approaches and strategies for early detection, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Facts and challenges
According to WHO data, breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In 2022, more than 2.3 million new cases were diagnosed globally, resulting in around 670,000 deaths. In the Americas region, it is estimated that around 210,000 new cases of breast cancer emerged in 2020, with 68,000 deaths associated with the disease.
Risk factors include obesity, alcohol consumption, family history, radiation exposure, hormonal and reproductive characteristics, and tobacco use. However, almost half of all cases occur in women with no known risk factors, reinforcing the need for effective early detection and health promotion strategies.
Patient navigation: a new perspective
In October 2024, the WHO launched a new publication called “Patient navigation for early detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer: technical brief“, which provides an up-to-date overview of how to ensure that people with suspected breast cancer have quick and effective access to diagnosis and treatment. Patient navigation (or guidance), the central theme of the new publication, involves the individualized accompaniment of healthcare users, ensuring that they receive the necessary support at every stage of the process, from initial detection to treatment.
The aim of the new technical document is to make breast cancer program managers aware of the importance of patient navigation in health services and to promote the professionalization of patient navigators or counselors. The publication advises breast cancer program managers to establish patient navigation services as an efficient, cost-effective and evidence-based intervention capable of facilitating timely diagnosis and ensuring treatment completion, a crucial component of the patient experience.
Information and technical cooperation
To support breast cancer awareness, BIREME shares important technical publications that reflect the core of its mission to promote health through the dissemination of knowledge. One of the main products developed by BIREME to facilitate access to information on cancer is the Cancer Prevention and Control Virtual Health Library (VHL), available in Portuguese and Spanish. This project, coordinated by BIREME under the leadership of Brazil’s National Cancer Institute (INCA) and with the support of PAHO/WHO, offers a comprehensive platform of resources and scientific information aimed at the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer throughout Latin America.
The Cancer Prevention and Control VHL stands out as an essential repository for health professionals, managers and researchers seeking updates on best practices in cancer control, including breast cancer. Through this platform, BIREME reinforces its commitment to the dissemination of technical and scientific knowledge that contributes to raising awareness about cancers, promoting public health and reducing mortality rates.