A future of hope: Transforming breast cancer care with awareness and innovation

Since 2012, breast cancer incidence globally has been increasing by about 1 per cent per year, according to the American Cancer Society. The same study found that the rise is even more pronounced among women under 50, where the rate climbs by 1.4 per cent annually, compared to 0.7 per cent for those aged 50 and older.

The situation is similar in the Gulf. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women across the region, with a trend of younger women being diagnosed compared to Western countries, according to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Oncology. Survival rates in the Gulf are also generally lower than in Western nations, largely due to late-stage diagnoses, as early detection programmes and screening initiatives are less widely available. This pattern highlights the need for a more tailored approach to education, early detection, and treatment, with a special focus on awareness and screening to improve survival outcomes.

Understanding the risk factors and symptoms

To effectively tackle breast cancer, we must first understand its root causes. While age, genetics, and family history are key risk factors, lifestyle choices such as diet, physical inactivity, and smoking also play critical roles.

Educating women about these risk factors—especially those within their control—can play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of breast cancer. Encouraging vigilance and regular health checks among women in their 30s and 40s is essential to addressing this growing demographic shift.

The importance of early detection and screening

In addition to understanding risk factors and symptoms, early detection remains the most effective way to reduce breast cancer mortality. Breast cancer identified at an early stage is far more treatable. Globally, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 91 per cent, according to the American Cancer Society, and for localised-stage breast cancer, the survival rate exceeds 99 per cent.

To identify breast cancer at its earliest stages, routine screening programmes such as mammography are vital. Delays in detection can lead to later-stage diagnoses, where treatment options are more limited, and survival rates are lower.

The psychological and emotional impact

Breast cancer is not just a physical disease—it also has profound psychological and emotional effects on patients and their families. Anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future are common for women diagnosed with the disease. The treatment journey can be lengthy and mentally exhausting, requiring strong emotional support networks to help patients navigate the process.

This is why at Novartis, we have launched several initiatives to help patients and caregivers know that they are not alone in the fight against breast cancer. We believe that empowering women to speak openly about their challenges can have a powerful impact on their overall treatment experience.

Through our Women in Pink initiative, we collaborated with the Emirates Oncology Society and the Friends of Cancer Patients to encourage women to share stories of hope and know that there can be life after a breast cancer diagnosis. We also participate in events like Khaleej Times’ We the Women event, leveraging platforms that already exist for women to advocate for breast cancer awareness and patient support.

A glimpse into the future: Innovation in breast cancer treatment

As we look to the future, there is cause for optimism. Medical research and technological advancements are reshaping the way we understand and treat breast cancer. In fact, the global breast cancer death rate has dropped by 44 per cent since 1989, according to the American Cancer Society, and this is due to advances in treatment and early detection.

At Novartis, we are deeply committed to tackling breast cancer through cutting-edge science, collaboration, and a passion for transforming patient care. Our bold approach to research includes focusing on patient populations often overlooked in clinical trials, identifying new pathways and mutations that may contribute to disease progression, and developing therapies aimed at improving and extending patient lives. For the past 35 years and into the future, our priority remains delivering innovative treatments for metastatic breast cancer while advancing research into new options for early-stage breast cancer.

Breast cancer continues to be a significant challenge both regionally and globally, but there is hope on the horizon. Through ongoing awareness efforts, the promotion of early detection, and our steadfast commitment to innovation, we are changing the future for women affected by this disease. Together, we know we can make a difference. By spreading awareness, supporting early detection, and bringing hope to those affected by breast cancer.

Mohamed Ezz Eldin is the head of GCC Cluster at Novartis