The Global Burden of Breast Cancer: Early Detection and Access to Care

Abstract

This article examines the worldwide impact of breast cancer, emphasising inequalities in early diagnosis and healthcare access. Breast cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women globally, with over 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 fatalities reported in 2022. Notwithstanding significant progress in screening and treatment, survival outcomes differ markedly according to geographic location, economic level, and healthcare infrastructure. High-income countries benefit from extensive mammography programs and prompt interventions, but women in low- and middle-income regions frequently encounter delayed diagnosis and restricted treatment options, resulting in elevated mortality rates.

The research integrates a survey of contemporary literature produced from 2020 to 2024 with a contextual analysis of clinical documentation from the Republican Specialised Scientific and Practical Medical Centre of Oncology and Radiology in Tashkent. Observational findings from this hospital reveal the tangible obstacles encountered in Central Asia, where access to diagnostic imaging, pathology, and surgical oncology is variable and centralised. This paper emphasises hurdles including inadequate public awareness, insufficient screening initiatives, and socioeconomic limitations through topic synthesis. It also analyses global best practices and early detection tactics that may be adopted in resource-limited environments. The results highlight the pressing necessity for scalable screening programs, infrastructure investment, and enhanced referral mechanisms to minimise diagnosis delays and enhance survival rates. Confronting these obstacles is essential to closing the international disparity in breast cancer outcomes and guaranteeing that early detection and successful treatment are universal standards rather than privileges for all women, globally.