Introduction
On Sunday, October 19th, the world commemorates the Global Day of Action against Breast Cancer, a day dedicated to raising awareness about early detection, timely care, and comprehensive management of this disease predominantly affecting women.
Mexican Scenario
Data from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP)
According to data from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), this date takes on particular significance in Mexico, as breast cancer has become the leading cause of death from malignant tumors among women, necessitating reinforced public health efforts.
Mortality Rates
Information from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) shows that in 2023, there were 8,034 deaths from breast cancer in individuals aged 20 or more, with 99.5% of these deaths being among women.
The mortality rate in this group was 17.9 deaths per 100,000 women. Preliminary data for 2024 indicates there were 8,451 deaths from this cause, representing nearly 9% of total malignant tumor deaths in the country and an estimated rate of 18.7 deaths per 100,000 women aged 20 and over.
These statistics suggest that the death rate from this disease has increased from 15.7 deaths per 100,000 women in 2015 to 18.7 in 2024. At the state level, entities like Sonora and Chihuahua reported the highest mortality rates (27.5 and 25.2 per 100,000 respectively for 2023), while states such as Campeche and Guerrero had the lowest rates (9.9 and 11.0 per 100,000) in the same year.
The Importance of Prevention
Early detection saves lives, even though the incidence of breast cancer in Mexico is lower than in some high-income countries (almost 40.5 cases per 100,000 women in 2020), mortality does not decrease as rapidly as desired, suggesting that barriers to early diagnosis, access to treatments, and comprehensive care still exist.
Health authorities urge women, particularly from age 40 onwards or sooner if risk factors are present, to perform self-breast examinations, participate in screening programs, and seek specialized care upon any findings.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of World Breast Cancer Day? It’s a global day dedicated to raising awareness about early detection, timely care, and comprehensive management of breast cancer.
- Why is breast cancer a major concern in Mexico? It’s the leading cause of death from malignant tumors among women, with increasing mortality rates despite lower incidence compared to high-income countries.
- What are the mortality rates for breast cancer in Mexico? In 2023, there were 17.9 deaths per 100,000 women due to breast cancer, rising to an estimated 18.7 per 100,000 women in 2024.
- What can women do to prevent breast cancer? Women are encouraged to perform self-examinations, participate in screening programs, and seek specialized care upon any findings.
