If breast cancer prevention, screening, and treatment systems are not strengthened, the number of deaths could reach approximately 1.4 million annually by 2050. At the same time, many countries are unprepared to deal with the rising number of cases.

Horrifying report on breast cancer

Cancer cases are steadily increasing worldwide, including in India. In this context, a serious warning has emerged regarding breast cancer. According to a new report published in the medical journal The Lancet, if timely and concrete steps are not taken, breast cancer could pose a major challenge to the global system in the coming years. The report estimates that by 2050, the number of new breast cancer cases in women could reach 3.56 million. The estimated figures are between 2.29 million and 4.83 million. Not only cases but also deaths are alarming. According to the report, global deaths from breast cancer could reach 1.37 million by 2050. This estimate ranges from 8.41 lakh to 20.2 lakh. Currently, approximately 7.64 lakh deaths occur each year, which could increase by 44 percent in the next 25 years.

Deaths could increase by 44 percent in the next 25 years.

This research suggests that if breast cancer prevention, screening, and treatment systems are not strengthened, the number of deaths could reach approximately 1.4 million annually by 2050. Experts believe that despite advances in medical science, many countries are unprepared to deal with the rising number of cases. The situation could be even more dangerous in countries with weak health infrastructure.

Cases increased in India after 1990

The report also expresses concern about the situation in India. The burden of breast cancer in India has increased fivefold over the past three decades. Changing lifestyles, urbanization, maternal age, declining breastfeeding, obesity, and lack of early detection are cited as the main causes. In India, this cancer has now become one of the most common cancers among women, especially in urban areas. Doctors say that a large number of women are diagnosed in the late stages of the disease, making treatment difficult and increasing mortality.

There is also a clear difference between rich and poor countries.

The report also clearly states that in high-income countries, the rate of new cases has stabilized and the death rate has declined. This is due to improved screening, timely diagnosis, and modern treatment systems. Meanwhile, in low- and middle-income countries, both new cases and deaths are increasing. Lack of radiotherapy equipment, limited access to chemotherapy drugs, and high treatment costs are major challenges in these countries. While these countries account for 27 percent of new cases globally, they account for more than 45 percent of all breast cancer-related morbidity and premature deaths.