Blog #3 Breast and cervical cancer rates rising globally

There are about 2 million women worldwide that are developing breast or cervical cancer every year. This number has increased two and a half times since 1980. The majority of the increase in cancer rates has been in poor countries and the age of which women get cancer has decreased. More women and young girls between the ages of 15 and 49 have been diagnosed than ever before. Breast and cervical cancer mortality rates could match the mortality rates due to pregnancy and childbirth in developing countries. Even though a lot of global efforts are going into decreasing mortality due to pregnancy and childbirth it is predicted that the cancer rates will continue to rise. Every country is seeing more cases of these cancers but some more than others.

This is a global problem because it affects women and young girls all over the world. Developed countries such as the United States are reducing their cancer rates through drug therapies, vaccines, and cancer screenings. The HPV vaccine is given to young girls to prevent cervical cancers in developed countries but it could be distributed around the world to reduce mortality rates. The drug tamoxifen, used to prevent cancer, is now out of patent and can be distributed globally at a very low price. Basic cancer screenings is another cost efficient way to make a difference in developing countries. A lot of older generations believe breast cancer is a disease for older women. Getting everyone adequate information about breast and cervical cancer and some of the warning signs could help developing countries.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/sep/15/breast-cervical-cancer-rising