October 2015
Special edition on breast cancer awareness
Dear UICC Members,
We are delighted to present you with this special edition of UICC’s membership newsletter in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). This month’s newsletter aims to highlight the opportunities and developments in breast cancer control as well as an overview of some of the exciting work that UICC members and partners are involved in.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer globally, accounting for 1.7 million new diagnoses in 2012, a 20% increase in 2008 figures. Of even greater concern is that breast cancer has become the leading cause of mortality amongst women globally. While breast cancer incidence is higher in high-income countries (HICs) we have seen the fastest rise in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where survival rates are the lowest. Yet we have the tools to take action to dramatically reduce breast cancer risks, and as a result the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) amongst others has called for urgent global action to tackle this rapidly rising burden.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place annually to raise awareness about the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
While the general public are often aware of the conditions much more action needs to be taken to support the public in reducing their risks and support early detection and treatment.
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