Each year, in October, we join the world in turning our focus on mankind’s unrelenting battle against breast cancer, which health-care officials keep reminding is the most common cancer type among women and the second most common overall.

We recall that in February this year a study published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that, on average, one in 20 women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. It also stated that if current rates continue, by 2050 there will be 3.2 million new breast cancer cases and 1.1 million breast cancer-related deaths per year globally.

Of great concern is the IARC’s evaluation that the growth will disproportionately affect countries with a low human development index.

These estimates, we are told, are based on the IARC Global Cancer Observatory, including data from cancer incidence in five continents and the World Health Organization (WHO) mortality database.

One of the authors of the report, IARC scientist Dr Joanne Kim, broke down the data in very stark terms: “Every minute four women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide and one woman dies from the disease.”

If that were not daunting enough, Dr Kim followed up by saying that these statistics are worsening.

That is a most troubling evaluation, especially for the many health-care professionals who treat people with breast cancer, the victims of this deadly disease, their families, friends, and countless other individuals who provide support and mentorship to the afflicted.

That stark reality justifies the world’s dedicated attention to this issue which this year is being observed under the theme ‘Every story is unique, every journey matters’.

The WHO explains well the reason for this theme: “Every breast cancer diagnosis is personal, [and] behind every diagnosis is a story of courage, resilience, and hope.”

This theme, the WHO adds, “reminds us that breast cancer touches the lives of women and their families around the world differently, and that every journey deserves compassion, dignity, and support”.

The agency also states that the theme recognises the diversity of experiences and reinforces the need for compassionate, timely, and quality care for all, regardless of geography, income, or background.

Thankfully, here in Jamaica there is no shortage of effort to raise awareness and promote early detection. The Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Jamaica Cancer Society, as well as many companies and individuals have been doing yeoman work in that regard.

Later this month a number of running/walking events will be staged in observance of the month. We encourage as many Jamaicans as possible to participate, as by doing so you will help to raise funds for cancer research and support while
maintaining and increasing awareness that breast cancer affects individuals of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. Also, that it remains a great burden, having significant impact on the country’s economy as diagnosis means a strain on health-care systems, workforce productivity, and the broader financial well-being of individuals and families.