WHO’s new plan could prevent millions of breast cancer cases by 2040
In the past two decades, diagnoses have nearly doubled. World health agents are trying to counteract this increase.
The numbers are frightening.
Breast cancer is the oncological disease that affects the most people, ahead of lung cancer in the list of diagnoses. In the last two decades, cases have almost doubled and the scenario could get worse. The forecasts of the World Health Organization (WHO) also indicate that, in 2040, the number of patients will be 50% higher than current data.
To face this scourge, the specialized health agency released a plan to prevent 2.5 million cases worldwide over the next 20 years. It was released this Friday, February 3, the eve of the date that marks World Cancer Day.
WHO has defined three levels of health promotion, included in the Global Initiative Against Breast Cancer. The list includes the need for early detection, timely diagnosis and complete treatment.
In the case of the first level, the UN agency aims to diagnose 60 percent of tumors in the initial stage of development, around 60 days after confirmation. Treatment results may be more favorable if the intent is verified.
As for treatment, which should start three months after diagnosis, the plan points to 80 percent of patients completing the recommended stages.
To reduce the high mortality rate, the WHO will also pay attention to countries with a low-middle income, with tools that prevent the tumor. In the case of South Africa, for example, only four out of ten people survive the disease.
According to the director-general of the organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, quoted by SIC, “WHO supports more than 70 countries, mainly of medium-low income, so that breast cancer is detected earlier, diagnosed more quickly and more well treated, and all patients can have hope for a disease-free future”.
