Breast Cancer Screening in Asian Countries: Epidemiology, Screening Practices, Outcomes, Challenges, and Future...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Globally, 2.3 million new breast cancer cases were reported in 2022, with Asia accounting for less than half.
• Despite lower incidence, Asian countries face a high mortality-to-incidence ratio for breast cancer.
• Breast cancer prevalence peaks a decade earlier in Asian women (40-50 years) compared to Western populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current breast cancer landscape in Asia, focusing on screening guidelines and outcomes.
• To identify challenges and future directions for breast cancer screening in the region.
• To understand how Asian countries implement screening in response to rising incidence.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of breast cancer screening trends, guidelines, and clinical practices in Asian countries.
• Analysis of regional variations and healthcare system differences.
• Exploration of outcomes from screening examinations in Asia.

Main Results:

• Sparse literature exists on breast cancer trends and screening practices across diverse Asian healthcare systems.
• Low-income countries face resource constraints for screening, while high-income countries struggle with underutilization of preventive services.
• Significant regional variations in breast cancer screening implementation and outcomes are observed.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for tailored breast cancer screening strategies in Asia to address regional disparities.
• Improving early detection through enhanced screening programs can significantly reduce breast cancer mortality in Asian women.
• Further research is required to understand and overcome barriers to effective breast cancer screening across Asia.