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A recent global study has found that Australia and New Zealand have some of the highest breast cancer incidence rates in the world. However, both countries are making significant progress in reducing breast cancer-related deaths, with mortality rates declining by 2.1% per year. This places them on track to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) goal of a 2.5% annual reduction.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, analyzed breast cancer incidence and mortality across 185 countries. It found that globally, 1 in 20 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1 in 70 are projected to die from the disease in their lifetime. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved early detection and treatment, particularly in countries with lower Human Development Index (HDI) scores, where breast cancer mortality rates remain disproportionately high.
Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The WHO launched the GBCI in 2021 to help countries implement strategies to reduce mortality rates. Despite progress in high-income countries, the burden of breast cancer is expected to increase, with global cases projected to rise by 38% and deaths by 68% by 2050. This would amount to 3.2 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths annually.
The study, led by researcher Miranda Fidler-Benaoudia, found that while breast cancer incidence was highest in countries such as France (1 in 9 women diagnosed) and North America (1 in 10), mortality rates were significantly higher in lower HDI regions like Fiji (1 in 24) and Africa (1 in 47). Encouragingly, 30 countries have seen declining breast cancer mortality rates over the past decade, with seven nations—including Denmark, Switzerland, and the Netherlands—meeting the WHO’s reduction target.
However, researchers caution that these estimates are constrained by data limitations, particularly in countries with less developed healthcare systems and incomplete cancer registries. As breast cancer cases are expected to rise, continued investment in early diagnosis and treatment will be critical to improving outcomes and reducing global disparities.
Disclaimer: This article is based on findings from Nature Medicine and does not constitute medical advice. For personal health concerns, individuals should consult healthcare professionals.
