Six facts about breast cancer

Friday 29, December 2017

One in eight women will have it throughout their lives, but the cure rates are the highest in oncological disease

This Thursday, as every October 19, is the day of the fight against breast cancer. Medicine, worldwide, agreed to offer this day to the battle against the disease to claim the importance of early detection and, therefore, preventive reviews.

Breast cancer is the most frequent tumor in Western women. Each year, 26,000 cases are diagnosed in Spain. According to the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), “one in eight women will suffer throughout their lives.” Next, we draw a picture of the disease through the data that best define it.

1. The most frequent tumor among women

It is the most frequent tumor in the female population, both in first world countries and in those in the process of development. The incidence in Spain, according to the AECC, is low in comparison with the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France or Switzerland; and similar to that of Portugal and Ireland.

If both sexes are taken into account when accounting, it is the fourth most common variable.

2. The one that causes more deaths in women

In 2014 alone, more than 6,213 people died due to breast cancer. It is the deadliest tumor, but not because of its complexity in the treatment, but because it is the most frequent. The average age of deaths that occurs is close to 70 years.

3. High percentage of healing

Almost 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are alive and disease-free five years after detection. The numbers vary according to the type of cancer and drastically worsen if it is metastatic breast cancer, an incurable disease, although the life expectancy of those affected is increasing.

4. It is rarely hereditary

Only between 5% and 10% of breast cancers are hereditary. This is determined by the presence of a mutation in the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes, which only affects that percentage of the population.

5. Between 45 and 65, the most affected

According to the AECC, the majority of cases are diagnosed in women between 35 and 80 years old, although the maximum level is reached between 45 and 65. “Although we do not have a national registration system to know the exact figures”, Express the association.

6. Three types of cancer in broad strokes

Although there are several types, they could be grouped mainly into three: hormone-dependent, those caused by the overexpressed Her2 protein and the triple negative. The latter are the ones with the worst prognosis.