Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed annually in October, is an initiative to spread awareness and celebrate strength and progress in the ongoing fight against this life-altering disease. It is a time when the world comes together, shedding light on the critical importance of early detection, education, and progress made in breast cancer research. Understanding the magnitude To understand the need for breast cancer awareness, we must first confront the daunting statistics that reveal its widespread impact.
According to Globocan (an online database providing global cancer statistics), in 2020, it was the most-diagnosed cancer worldwide, with over 2.26 million new cases reported. Tragically, it also accounted for 6.
85 lakh deaths in the same year. These numbers highlight the pressing need for proactive measures to reduce incidence and mortality rates. The disparity in breast cancer incidence between developed and developing nations is striking.
In developed countries, higher rates can be attributed to factors such as delayed childbirth, fewer pregnancies, increased use of hormone replacement therapy, and lifestyle choices such as high-fat diets and reduced physical activity. This underscores the need for targeted awareness campaigns that address specific cultural and socioeconomic factors in different regions of the world. A disease without discrimination Although breast cancer predominantly affects women, it is important to note that men are also susceptible.
In 2020, appro.