Global breast cancer crisis

The Worst Case Scenario

Unfortunately, each new year is full of disappointing news for and regarding those with breast cancer. This disease is the number one killer of women in the US, spreading throughout the world, becoming more and more common each year, even in the third world countries. Based on previous statistics, estimations for this year are grim, predicting that 500,000 of existing patients will die and that breast cancer is bound to be diagnosed in every 8th woman in the US. Again, even though, for the rest of the world, this type of cancer is not such a threat, it is a problem nevertheless.

The story is getting even more sad and discouraging. It is predicted that, by the year 2020, breast cancer will have spread all around the developing countries, carrying the burden of 70% of all cases of this illness. While new kinds of treatments are appearing in the US, people who live in poorer countries have to wait and rest all their hopes on traditional medical approaches which are known to fail more than to help.

Devastating Data

Speaking of finances involved in battling this vicious disease in the US, around $8.1 billion is spent for diagnosis of this illness and its treatment. In India, on the other hand, more than 50% of women with breast cancer do not undergo treatment at all while in South Africa only 5% of women are diagnosed with breast cancer on time, during the initial stages.

If we are to discuss possible causes behind these dark facts of our reality, the reality itself is to blame, along with the humans who conform to it. Namely, we live incredibly unhealthy lives, spending our money on junk food and dangerous malnutrition, staying inactive for most of our lives, leading a sedentary existence with no physical exercise, being affected by stress at work daily. This “modern”, “Western” lifestyle has spread around the world and is taking its toll which seems to be higher every year.

There are different types of breast cancer, depending on the genetics and race of women, being more aggressive for Asian and African, as well as African-American women, since the treatment is much more complicated for them due to their resistance to estrogen and progesterone therapies. Genetics, number of given births and many other factors affect the presence of this illness as well.

We need to change our lives and live healthy so as to fight off this terrible disease. The damage has been done and we have made our society and the world around us dangerous and harmful for our health. Keep that in mind and keep yourself safe.