Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Raising awareness encourages early detection through mammography. As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, community outreach should be prioritized to bring awareness to anyone who may be affected by breast cancer. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. The stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis strongly correlates with patient prognosis, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Some risk factors for breast cancer can be reduced, including alcohol use, obesity, and hormone therapy. Others are unchangeable, including age and genetic mutations. Public education can promote risk-reducing behaviors, leading to decreased mortality. Genetic testing can be performed on high-risk individuals to catch cancer early.

Although they are widely used, mammograms have limitations, including assessing women with dense breast tissue. According to GlobalData, emerging technologies include biomarker imaging and AI-driven devices, which may be able to detect early-stage tumors. New technologies aim to tailor treatment plans to individual patients. GlobalData expects the market for breast cancer products to see substantial growth, accelerated by an aging population.

Amy Paterson, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Access to screening and treatment is uneven across the globe. Low- and middle-income countries and underserved population in high income countries tend to have limited access to care around breast health. This includes access to mammography, follow-up, and modern therapies. Low access contributes to higher mortality from breast cancer. Mammograms should begin in women aged 40-50.”

Treatment options vary depending on the stage and type of breast cancer. Early stages may be treated with breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), where the tumor is removed, rather than a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast. Other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy.

Paterson concludes: “Efforts to address access issues should include affordability, infrastructure, transportation, and community outreach. According to GlobalData market research, mammography equipment is expected to continue to grow in volume, while global average selling price comes down. A decrease in equipment price may allow some underserved communities to acquire these devices over the next several years.”