Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Challenge

Breast Cancer : How important is it? It is the most common cancer among women in lower-and-middle-income in Asian countries. Its cost to society in terms of - use of healthcare resources - lost productivity. This cost will increase further if incidence rates continue to rise in years to come.

Breast Cancer : How important is it? 454,575 new cases per year. 168,000 deaths per year. 20% of cancer cases in women. 12% of female cancer deaths. Close to 1 in 2 diagnoses in women < 50. Up to 25% of cases presenting at an advanced stage (56% in Thailand).

More about metastatic breast cancer (MBC) A high proportion of women present with advanced breast cancer in lower- and middle- income Asian countries. MBC is an incurable condition. MBC poses a considerable physical, psychological and emotional toll on women and their families.

Key facts about MBC MBC is an incurable condition. Even if breast cancer is diagnosed and treated at an early stage, it may still develop into metastatic disease. Average survival is 2-3 years, but many women with MBC can live for much longer. The goal of treatment is to extend life, delay the progression of disease and help each person maintain the best QoL for as long as possible.

Unmet needs of women with MBC

Many women with MBC feel invisible within the breast cancer community as most of the attention of the media, policymakers, and the advocacy community tends to be focused on early breast cancer.

Women with MBC have considerable clinical, informational, and emotional needs. - that need to be addressed to help them gain control over their condition and lead as full a life as possible, for as long as possible.

How we can help them ? Greater visibility for breast cancer in general. Better treatments that extend life, delay progression and maintain QoL. Support services to help them address the psychological aspects of their condition.

The management of MBC : an ongoing challenge Lack of access to, and poor funding. High use of alternative medicines. Limited professional knowledge and experience. Poor availability of services targeted at women with MBC.

Call to action Enhanced professional capacity - Develop specialist professional training focused on breast cancer and MBC. - Strengthen the provision of supportive and palliative care in community settings. Greater access to care - Ensure rapid access to the most effective diagnosis and treatment.