The number of new breast cancer cases worldwide is predicted to surpass 3.5 million by 2050. But researchers say targeting six lifestyle risk factors could help change the trajectory.
Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related illness and premature death among women worldwide.
A major global analysis estimates 2.3 million women were diagnosed in 2023, and 764,000 died from the disease. That’s about 24 million years of healthy life lost, according to the researchers.
And they predict, these numbers will continue their sharp climb. By 2050, new cases are projected to reach more than 3.5 million, and annual deaths are forecast to increase 44%, to nearly 1.4 million.
More than a quarter of the healthy years lost to breast cancer were linked to six modifiable risk factors, including high red meat intake, tobacco use, high blood sugar, and high body weight — highlighting important opportunities for prevention.
The senior authors say we can change the course of breast cancer by making healthy choices more affordable and accessible — and backing them with smart public health policies.
They say equitable access to timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment strategies will also be critical to improving the global outlook.
Source: The Lancet Oncology
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