Global breast cancer incidence and mortality trends by region, age-groups, and fertility patterns

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer (BC) has been increasing globally, though it is unclear whether the increases are seen across all age groups and regions and whether changes in rates can be primarily attributed to decreasing fertility rates. We investigated age-specific trends in BC incidence and mortality from 1990 to 2017, worldwide and by region, and evaluated whether incidence trends are explained by decreases in fertility. Methods: We used country-level data to examine trends in BC incidence and mortality rates from 1990 to 2017 by region and age group. Linear mixed models were used to estimate age-specific rates from baseline models of year and were compared to fertility-adjusted models for incidence. Results: The global BC mortality rate increased overall by 0.23% per year (95% CI=0.20, 0.25), with statistically significant increases in the under 50 and 70 and over age groups, and in 5 out of 7 regions. The global BC incidence rate increased overall by 1.44% per year (95% CI=1.42, 1.47), with statistically significant increases in all age groups, and in 6 out of 7 regions. After adjusting for fertility, the incidence annual percent change (APC) remained statistically significant (APC=0.84, 95% CI=0.81, 0.88), in all age groups, and in 6 of 7 regions. Interpretation: The global increase in BC mortality is seen in most age groups and regions. The global increase in BC incidence is seen in all age groups and is highest in women under 50; increases remained in most regions even after considering declining fertility rates.

Illness Perception and Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer

“…In light of current epidemiological trends, i.e., an increase in breast cancer morbidity, especially among women aged <50 years, this type of cancer poses an important public health problem [ 1 , 2 ]. Cancer mortality constitutes a significant burden for healthcare systems worldwide [ 25 , 26 ].…”

“…Incidence rates for breast cancer are particularly high in developed countries, whereas mortality rates are higher in developing countries [ 1 ]. Recent years have seen a statistically significant increase in breast cancer incidence in women under 50 years who lead an active professional and family life [ 2 , 3 ]. At the same time, as a result of screening programs and evermore effective treatment methods, the prognosis for patients diagnosed with malignant breast cancer has considerably improved, and their 5-year survival rate has increased [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Breast cancer incidence and predictions (Monastir, Tunisia: 2002–2030): A registry-based study

“…Worldwide, incidence rates of breast cancer are rising fast in transitioning countries. According to Lima SM et al, Middle East North Africa had the largest per-year increase in overall incidence between1990 and 2017 (APC = 2.38, 95% CI = 2.29, 2.47) [ 25 ]. Sung H et al reported that some of the most rapid increases are occurring in sub-Saharan Africa with an increase rate >5% per year in Malawi (Blantyre), Nigeria (Ibadan), and the Seychelles and of 3% to 4% per year in South Africa between the mid-1990s and the mid-2010s.…”

Efficacy of Antiresorptive Drugs on Bone Mineral Density in Post-Menopausal Women With Early Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Aromatase Inhibitors: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy in women worldwide, with incidence increasing in last decades (1). Oppositely, mortality from BC decreased in last years, due to the significant advancements in screening programs and therapeutical interventions (2). In response to the progressive increase of women living after a diagnosis of BC, survivorship issues related to cancer treatment and its impact on bone health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have progressively emerged (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9).…”