Breast cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean

Bibliographic Data

ID14965820
AuthorsSylvia Robles (0009-0001-1935-9916, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Americas, corresponding author), Sylvia C Robles, Eleni Galanis (0000-0001-7702-3575, University of Toronto)
Year2002
Volume11
Issue3
Pages178-85
Publication date2002-03-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueRevista Panamericana de Salud Pública (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1020-4989 • E-ISSN: 1680-5348
PublisherFapUNIFESP (SciELO) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1590/s1020-49892002000300007
PMID11998184
OpenAlexW2054920229
SciELOS1020-49892002000300007
LanguageEN
Citations received13

As recently as two decades ago breast cancer was not a significant public health concern in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). However, mortality rates from breast cancer have been increasing for at least 40 years in most LAC countries. Socioeconomic development and consequent changes in reproductive behaviors over the past 50 years are thought to have contributed to the increased risk of breast cancer. Socioeconomic development has also increased women's health awareness and therefore the demand for quality services. In industrialized countries, screening and widely available, high-quality treatment protocols are being implemented as the main strategy for breast cancer control. Studies show that out of three available screening methods (mammography, clinical breast examination, and breast self-examination), only mammography for women 50-69 years of age has been effective at reducing mortality, and has done so by an estimated 23%. While there is much controversy about the benefits and cost-effectiveness of mammography screening for women aged 40-49, some countries, including Australia, the United States of America, and four European nations, recommend that physicians assess the need for it on an individual basis. A survey that we conducted of LAC countries shows that most of their breast cancer screening policies are not justified by available scientific evidence. Moreover, as seen by relatively high mortality/incidence ratios, breast cancer cases are not being adequately managed in many LAC countries. Before further developing screening programs, these countries need to evaluate the feasibility of designing and implementing appropriate treatment guidelines and providing wide access to diagnostic and treatment services. Given the relevance of breast cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean today, it is crucial that both women and health care providers have access to up-to-date information on which to base their decisions

Breast cancer · Breast cancer screening · Cancer · Developed country · Developing country · Economic growth · Environmental health · Gynecology · Latin Americans · Mammography · Political science · Population · Public health · Socioeconomic status · BRCA gene mutations in cancer · Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening · Medicine · Nursing · Internal Medicine

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