Report suggests people with breast cancer are being ‘systematically left behind’

Many people with breast cancer are being “systematically left behind” due to inaction on inequities and hidden suffering, experts have said.

A new global report suggests people with the condition are continuing to face glaring inequalities and significant adversity, much of which remains unacknowledged by wider society and policymakers.

The Lancet Breast Cancer Commission highlights a need for better communication between medical staff and patients, and stresses the importance of early detection.

It also highlights the need for improved awareness of breast cancer risk factors, with almost one in four cases (23%) of the disease estimated to be preventable.

The Lancet Commission’s lead author, Professor Charlotte Coles, department of oncology, University of Cambridge, said: “Recent improvements in breast cancer survival represent a great success of modern medicine.

“However, we can’t ignore how many patients are being systematically left behind.

“Our commission builds on previous evidence, presents new data and integrates patient voices to shed light on a large unseen burden.

“We hope that by highlighting these inequities and hidden costs and suffering in breast cancer, they can be better recognised and addressed by healthcare professionals and policymakers in partnership with patients and the public around the world.”

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Source: The Independent, 15 April 2024