International Position

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer diagnosed in females in the world. An estimated 1 million cases were expected to be identified in 2007. In the USA and Australia one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime [7].

In China as in most other emerging economies, breast cancer is a relatively new concern. Cultural, economic, social issues and lack of education hinders the development of breast screening programs in most countries^. The increase in cancer incidence is especially apparent within countries that experienced massive economic development in the past 50 years. In 2020 it is expected that 70% of all breast cancer cases worldwide will be in developing countries [8].

In developing countries the incidence of breast cancer is increasing probably due to a combination of factors including longer life expectancy, improved health services and nutrition changes that are associated with economic development.

It is estimated that 100 million women aged between 50 and 69 years were referred for a mammogram in 2007 worldwide. Census data [9] shows that there is a potential market of 306 million women aged between 25 and 80 years in the USA, Japan, Western Europe, Australia and South East Asia alone.

Global incidence of breast cancer - Rate per 100,000 people in 2002

Australia

In comparison to other developed countries, Australia has relatively high breast cancer incidence rates [7]. However Australia has comparatively low mortality rates, indicating that cancer survival is relatively high. This suggests that the health system in Australia is performing well in lengthening survival through early detection and in the treatment of cancer.

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