Breast Cancer Burden in North Africa and Middle East: Trends and Risk Factors, 1990-2019

What is it about?

The study examines the epidemiology and burden of breast cancer in the North Africa and Middle East region, focusing on female patients. The incidence and prevalence of breast cancer have doubled, and death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates have increased three-fold from 1990 to 2019. The major contributor to the increasing incidence of breast cancer is the increase in age-specific incidence rates. Behavioral risk factors are the most significant burden of breast cancer among all risk factors, with high fasting plasma glucose having the most significant impact in the region. The study highlights the growing burden of breast cancer in the region, which is particularly concerning given limited resources and policies in developing countries.

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Why is it important?

This study is important for several reasons: It provides a comprehensive analysis of breast cancer (BC) epidemiology in the North Africa and Middle East (NAME) region from 1990 to 2019, highlighting the increasing incidence and prevalence rates, as well as the growing number of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by BC. It identifies the major contributors to the rising incidence of BC in the region, emphasizing the importance of addressing behavioral risk factors, particularly in high-risk countries. It sheds light on the burden of BC in individual countries, allowing for targeted public health interventions and resource allocations to improve the management and outcomes of breast cancer patients in the NAME region. It underscores the need for effective population-wide policies and screening programs to mitigate the growing burden of BC, particularly in developing countries with limited resources and a high proportion of underestimated and mismanaged cases due to war and conflict. Key Takeaways: 1. Breast cancer incidence and prevalence rates have almost doubled in the NAME region from 1990 to 2019. 2. The major contributor to the increasing incidence of BC was found to be the increase in age-specific incidence rates. 3. Behavioral risk factors were recognized as the greatest burden of female BC among all risk factors in the NAME region. 4. The study highlights the need for further investigations, careful resource allocations, and proper population-wide policies to effectively manage the growing burden of BC in the NAME region. 5. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique challenges and risk factors associated with breast cancer in the NAME region, particularly in countries with limited resources and a high proportion of underestimated and mismanaged cases due to war and conflict.