A new report published in The Lancet has raised concerns about the escalating impact of breast cancer worldwide, projecting that over a million women could succumb to the disease annually by 2040 if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Breast cancer has emerged as the most prevalent carcinogenic disease globally, with approximately 7.8 million women diagnosed in the five-year period leading up to 2020. Tragically, an estimated 685,000 women lost their lives to the disease in the same year.

According to the Lancet commission, breast cancer cases are expected to surge from 2.3 million in 2020 to over 3 million by 2040. The burden of this increase will disproportionately affect low and middle-income countries, highlighting glaring inequities in access to healthcare.

The report underscores the hidden suffering and financial burden endured by breast cancer patients, exacerbated by inadequate symptom management and support systems. To address these challenges, the commission emphasizes the importance of improving communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

Reshma Jagsi from Emory University School of Medicine in the US stressed the need for healthcare professionals to receive communication skills training, enabling them to better support patients and improve their quality of life. The report advocates for empowering patients to exercise their voices and participate in care decisions, thereby enhancing patient agency and autonomy.

As breast cancer continues to exact a heavy toll on women worldwide, the Lancet report serves as a crucial call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to prioritize early detection, improved access to treatment, and comprehensive support for those affected by the disease.