Each year, there are 220,000 new diagnoses in our region, and by 2045, it is estimated that the number of new breast cancer cases will rise by over 50%.

To prevent this last statistic from becoming a reality and reverse this cancer’s mortality trend, there are concrete, feasible actions that PALIG has committed to taking through its Healthier Life, Longer Life campaign. They include:

Patient education is essential to achieving this goal of diagnosing over 60% of breast cancer cases in stages I and II, rather than in more advanced stages.

According to the American Cancer Society, the survival rates for breast cancer by the stage at which it was detected are:

Localized, invasive, meaning in stage 1 or 2, excluding ductal carcinoma in situ (there are no signs that the cancer has spread beyond the breast): >99%.

Regional, the cancer has spread outside the breast to nearby structures or lymph nodes: 87%.

Distant, the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or bones: 32%.

The American Cancer Society defines the relative survival rate as the rate in women with the same type and stage of breast cancer compared to the rate in women in the overall population. For example, if the 5‑year survival rate for a specific stage of breast cancer is 90%, this means that women who have that cancer are, on average, about 90% more likely than women who don’t have that cancer to live for at least 5 years after being diagnosed.

In addition to individual patient education, experts agree that mammograms are a powerful tool for detecting cancer in its early stages. While they are not perfect, they can detect cancer before it causes warning signs or symptoms, when the chances of long‑term survival are higher. Regular screening mammograms can help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer in women aged 40 to 74 years. There is even more robust evidence on the benefit of mammograms in women aged 50 to 69 years.

As a health professional, you play a leading role in the fight against breast cancer. Your patients trust what you have to say, and your recommendations can be the difference between an early diagnosis and a late one. We are asking for your active help in this campaign: discuss the importance of screening mammograms with your patients, especially women over age 45. During appointments, dedicate a few minutes to explaining the benefits of regular screening, responding to their questions and fears, and facilitating access to these exams. Your commitment to prevention can help not only save lives but also significantly reduce the emotional and financial impact of a late‑stage diagnosis.

Together, we can change the numbers and make early detection a reality for more women in our region.