Abstract
About this talk
Background: Cancer is a major global public health challenge and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Puerto Rico, cancer is the second leading cause of death, while breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women. These epidemiological trends underscore the need for evidence-based public health strategies that improve early detection and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.
Objective: To examine the epidemiology of breast cancer in Puerto Rico and identify evidence-based public health strategies to improve early detection, reduce health disparities, and promote equitable access to oncology care.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using quantitative epidemiological data and qualitative evidence from peer-reviewed literature. Information was obtained from the Puerto Rico central cancer registry, the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the Puerto Rico Department Of Health, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, the centres for disease control and prevention, and peer-reviewed scientific literature. The evidence was synthesized to evaluate breast cancer incidence, mortality, survival, screening recommendations, and barriers to timely diagnosis and equitable access to oncology care.
Results: Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Puerto Rico and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. During 2016–2020, breast cancer accounted for 30.5% of all cancers diagnosed among women and 18.6% of all cancer-related deaths among women. On average, 2,319 women were diagnosed annually with invasive breast cancer, while approximately 432 women died from the disease each year. The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is estimated at approximately one in nine women, and the five-year relative survival rate is 86.8%. Despite improvements in screening and treatment, disparities in awareness, timely diagnosis, and access to specialized oncology services continue to affect health outcomes across Puerto Rico.
Conclusion: Breast cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Puerto Rico. Reducing disparities requires coordinated, evidence-based public health interventions that strengthen health education, promote breast cancer awareness, expand access to early detection and timely diagnosis, and ensure equitable access to high-quality oncology care. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, public health agencies, and policymakers is essential to improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of breast cancer among women in Puerto Rico.
Speaker
About the speaker
