Breast Cancer Disparities Among Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Purpose of ReviewThe burden of breast cancer in low-income and middle-income countries transitioning to higher levels of human development is a public health crisis, set to increase dramatically in the coming decades. This paper provides an overview of the burden in human and economic terms, a summary of the costs, and cost-effective analyses for breast cancer interventions and suggests a way forward through research to better inform national, regional, and global policies for breast cancer control.Recent FindingsInequitable access to effective health services for breast cancer is striking between and within countries, where much of the costs are shouldered through out-of-pocket expenditures. A variety of factors can influence opportunities for women with breast symptoms to seek care and to access effective and affordable early detection and treatment services.SummaryResearch into disparities and solutions to overcome these, including an evidence-informed investment case for breast cancer control, can help to garner the necessary political will and sustained commitments to ensure adequate and sustainable resources are available to reduce disparities in breast cancer survival.