WHO Warns of Sharp Rise in Breast Cancer Cases and Deaths by 2050

Breast cancer cases worldwide are projected to rise by 38% by 2050, with deaths expected to surge by 68%, according to a report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Published in Nature Medicine, the study warns that if current trends persist, annual breast cancer cases will reach 3.2 million, with 1.1 million deaths by mid-century.

The burden will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries due to limited access to early detection, treatment, and care.

Rising Global Impact

“Every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and one dies from the disease. These numbers are worsening,” said Dr. Joanne Kim, an IARC scientist and co-author of the report.

She emphasized the need for preventive measures, including WHO’s recommended ‘best buys’ for noncommunicable disease prevention, as well as increased investments in early detection and treatment.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women and the second most common cancer overall.

In 2022, 2.3 million new cases were reported, leading to 670,000 deaths. However, regional disparities highlight the unequal impact of the disease.

Regional Disparities

The highest breast cancer incidence rates were recorded in Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Northern Europe, while South-Central Asia and parts of Africa reported the lowest.

However, the highest mortality rates were found in Western Africa, where healthcare access is limited.

Economic factors significantly influence survival rates.

In high-income countries, 83% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive, whereas in low-income nations, more than half succumb to the disease due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

Global Efforts to Reduce Mortality

To combat this rising threat, WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative in 2021.

The initiative aims to cut breast cancer mortality rates by 2.5% annually, potentially preventing 2.5 million deaths by 2040.

Its focus includes early detection, timely diagnosis, and improved access to treatment.

Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of IARC’s Cancer Surveillance Branch, stressed the importance of quality cancer data to drive better policies in lower-income regions. “Early diagnosis and better access to treatment are critical to closing the global gap in breast cancer outcomes,” she stated.

Call for Action

The report highlights the urgent need for stronger health systems, increased funding for screening and treatment, and the adoption of cost-effective prevention strategies.

With cases and deaths expected to rise, global cooperation is essential to ensure breast cancer remains a preventable and treatable disease rather than a growing global crisis.