October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month a time to raise awareness, honour the millions of lives affected by breast cancer, and reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring equitable access to care and improved survival for all.
This year’s theme, “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” serves as a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis lies a deeply personal story one of courage, resilience, and hope. No two journeys are the same. Breast cancer affects women and their families differently across the world, and every experience deserves compassion, dignity, and support.
The theme also speaks to the urgent need for inclusive and quality care, regardless of where one lives or what one earns. It calls on us to recognize the diversity of experiences while working together to close the gaps in access to early detection, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment.
Globally, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. In 2022 alone, an estimated 2.3 million women were diagnosed, and about 670,000 lost their lives to the disease. Behind these numbers are real people mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends whose lives matter.
The statistics reveal stark inequalities. While the five-year survival rate in high-income countries exceeds 90%, it drops to 66% in India and 40% in South Africa. These figures reflect the painful reality of unequal access to healthcare services. If current trends continue, breast cancer incidence and deaths are projected to rise by 40% by 2050 a warning that demands urgent, coordinated global action.
Indeed, where a woman lives should never determine whether she survives.
Established in 2021, the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative, in partnership with governments and health institutions, continues to work towards reducing breast cancer mortality by strengthening health systems and ensuring that every woman no matter her background has a fair chance at survival.
As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us remember that awareness alone is not enough. What is needed is commitment from policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to ensure that every woman has access to life-saving care. Every story deserves to be heard, and every journey deserves hope.
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October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month a time to raise awareness, honour the millions of lives affected by breast cancer,…
The post Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters appeared first on .
