Breast cancer cases worldwide are expected to increase by 38 per cent by 2050, a new report has revealed.
The report, which was compiled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organisation (WHO), was published in Nature Medicine.
It warns that deaths from the disease could also rise by 68 per cent, if current trends continue. By mid-century, the world could see 3.2 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths annually.
Experts say the impact will be worse in low- and middle-income countries, where many women lack access to early detection and proper treatment.
IARC scientist, Joanne Kim, announced that every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and one woman dies from it.
“These numbers are getting worse, but governments can change this by investing in early detection and treatment,” Kim said.
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The highest number of cases is found in Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Northern Europe. In contrast, South-Central Asia and parts of Africa have the lowest rates.
But the worst death rates occur in Melanesia, Polynesia, and Western Africa, where poor healthcare access leads to worse outcomes.
Survival rates for breast cancer vary greatly on a country’s economic status. In high-income countries, 83 per cent of women diagnosed with the disease survive due to better access to early detection, advanced treatment, and healthcare infrastructure.
But in low-income countries, more than half of women diagnosed with breast cancer die, often due to late diagnosis, limited medical resources, and inadequate treatment options.
To combat the rising numbers, WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative in 2021. The goal is to cut breast cancer deaths by 2.5 per cent each year, potentially saving 2.5 million lives by 2040.
IARC’s Deputy Head of Cancer Surveillance, Isabelle Soerjomataram, stressed the need for better cancer data and policies, especially in poorer regions.
“Early diagnosis and access to treatment must improve if we are to reduce suffering and death worldwide,” she said.
The report calls for stronger health systems, more funding for breast cancer screening, and affordable prevention strategies.
Without urgent action, millions of women could lose their lives to a disease that is now more preventable and treatable than ever.