In the Republic of Moldova, the incidence of breast cancer in 2021 was 31.7 cases per 100,000 population or 1,123 absolute cases. This is one of the most common types of cancer and the leading cause of death among women. The data is presented by the National Agency for Public Health (ANSP) in the context of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Known as the pink month, during this period women are urged to pay more attention to their own health and bear in mind that early detection of the disease increases the chances for successful treatment.
According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year. It is estimated that by 2040 the incidence will increase by more than a third to more than 3 million new cases per year, and the mortality will increase to more than 1 million deaths per year. These increases will be driven mainly by demographic factors as the population ages, in addition to unhealthy lifestyles, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
“Breast cancer develops in women of any age, but rates increase at an older age. In Europe, 1 in 11 women develops the disease before the age of 74. It is estimated that 21% of breast cancer cases in Europe occur in women before they turn 50”, says the ANSP.
There are several risk factors that are associated with breast cancer – family history and genetic factors, age, menstrual and reproductive history, certain changes in the genome, combined hormone replacement therapy. Among the lifestyle factors, the ANSP mentions alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, obesity, tobacco use, radiation.
Specialists say that if diagnosed early and treated properly before it spreads, the five-year survival rate after a breast cancer diagnosis is 99%. In this regard, periodic palpation of the breasts, ultrasound screening or mammography, as well as a visit to the specialist doctor, are recommended.
