The role of screening and treatment in beating breast cancer
BREAST CANCER remains the most common cancer among women worldwide as well as in Jamaica, where it is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths.
In 2022, an estimated 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally, with 670,000 losing their lives. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports that in Latin America and the Caribbean, the share of women affected by breast cancer before the age of 50 years is 32 per cent. The Jamaica Cancer Society says that for every 21 women diagnosed with cancer in Jamaica, one will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
The two main risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman, and getting older. For example, women in their 50s have a one in 50 chance of getting breast cancer. That increases to one in 13 for women in their 70s, and one in 10 in the 80s.
WOMEN OF COLOUR
Further, women of colour have additional risk factors. For example, black and Hispanic women are at an increased risk for triple-negative breast cancer, arguably the most aggressive form of breast cancer, compared to Caucasian and Asian women.
There are multiple other risk factors associated with breast cancer, including non-modifiable factors such as age, gender, family history of breast cancer, age of menopause, age of the first menstrual cycle; and factors such as diet, exercise, environmental exposure, hormonal therapy exposure, and alcohol.
Survival rates for breast cancer depend very heavily on how early the disease is found. When diagnosed at an early stage, it is one of the most curable cancers, with a survival of 98.5 per cent at 10 years.
Women are encouraged to practise monthly self-examinations and from the age of 40, get an annual mammogram; earlier if there is a known family history of breast cancer. Unfortunately, many women delay screening or wait until symptoms appear, by which time the cancer may have already advanced.
This is why awareness and regular screening are essential. The fact is, roughly half of all breast cancers occur in women with no identifiable risk factors apart from age and sex, meaning that even women without a family history are at risk.
A new and concerning trend has emerged: more women under 40 are being diagnosed with breast cancer. “The rise in younger patients highlights the urgent need for education, early screening, and access to personalised treatment,” said Dr Ana Cecilia Botero, radiation oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida.
“You don’t have to wait until 40 to start being proactive. For women with risk factors, vigilance must begin earlier,” she said.
DIAGNOSTIC CARE
Mammography and other diagnostic care for breast cancer screening and treatment are available across the island. For those who may benefit from additional specialised options, facilities like Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute offer advanced diagnostic tools, such as digital mammography and 3D imaging, that can detect cancers too small to feel.
Women with a family history or suspected genetic risk can also access testing for inherited mutations like BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2, which can help inform prevention and treatment choices.
Treatment for breast cancer works best when different specialists collaborate. Women who go to Baptist Health for diagnosis and treatment will find a care team that typically includes surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and support specialists who work together to create a treatment plan tailored to their specific situation.
Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted biological agents. This team approach helps ensure each patient gets comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of her diagnosis.
The fight against breast cancer requires both awareness and action. While the disease affects women everywhere, regular screening and access to quality care make a real difference in survival rates.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond, the message remains urgent: early detection saves lives. Whether through self-examinations, annual mammograms, or seeking care at the first sign of concern, taking proactive steps can mean the difference between catching cancer early when it’s most treatable, or facing a more difficult journey later.
SOURCE: Pan American Health Organization, Jamaica Cancer Society, Baptist Health International