Breast cancer caused 694,000 deaths worldwide in 2024
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune
Breast cancer caused 694,000 deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the World Health Organisation. The WHO recommends prompt consultation in the event of a breast abnormality and says early diagnosis, screening and appropriate treatment improve the chances of recovery.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends consulting a doctor as soon as a breast abnormality appears, even when a lump is painless. Most lumps are not cancerous, but a clinical assessment can determine their nature, according to the WHO.
A diagnosis made before the disease spreads to the lymph nodes or other organs improves the effectiveness of treatment. This may combine surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy or targeted biological therapies, depending on the tumour’s subtype and extent, according to the WHO.
The organisation also recommends comprehensive care from a team including oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nutrition, rehabilitation and palliative care specialists. Its Global Breast Cancer Initiative, launched in 2021, aims to reduce mortality from the disease by 2.5% annually and prevent 2.5 million deaths by 2040, according to the WHO.
These recommendations follow calls made by specialists in Lagos on 25 October for women to look after their health.
