Breast cancer in countries of limited resources

Abstract

For 2010, the annual incidence of breast cancer is estimated to increase from now 1.15 Mio to 1.5 Mio new cases per year. The increase is mainly seen in low and middle income countries. Resource limitations in means of finance, personnel, infrastructure, and by political instability are tremendous. Currently, little attention is paid to breast care in low-resource settings due to other health priorities. However, with increasing life expectancy and reduction of mortality due to infectious diseases, more people are confronted with non-communicable diseases, and the topic of cancer in developing countries will emerge more and more. Specific guidelines for breast cancer were given by the Global Breast Health Initiative differentiating according to available resources in different settings. From awareness in public and health care facilities to obtaining the diagnosis, deciding on strategies of treatment, and putting strategies into practice - all these obstacles differ substantially in developed and developing countries. Further research is essential to meet the challenge of breast cancer worldwide in the coming years. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG.