The Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in countries across the world every October, helps to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of the disease.
There are about 1.38 million new cases and 458 000 deaths from breast cancer each year (IARC Globocan, 2008). Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in the developed and developing countries. In low- and middle-income countries the incidence has been rising up steadily in the last years due to increase in life expectancy, increase urbanization and adoption of western lifestyles.
Currently there is not sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer, therefore, early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. When breast cancer is detected early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured. If detected late, however, curative treatment is often no longer an option. In such cases, palliative care to relieve the suffering of patients and their families is needed.
According to research, Aruba does not differ much from the rest of world. Annually there are about 65 new breast cancer cases detected on Aruba. The women affected are mostly between the ages of 45 – 75 and more than 50% are between the ages of 45 – 64 years. 27% of all the new breast cancer cases is detected among women between the ages of 65 – 75.
In Aruba there are several organizations you can turn to for whatever questions or information you might need such as Mary- Joan Foundation Aruba, Stichting BOB and Koningin Wilhelmina Fonds Aruba.
For more information contact these organizations at:
Mary- Joan Foundation Aruba, Call +297 589-9999 or Facebook Mary Joan Foundation Aruba.
Stichting BOB, Call +297 588-1212 or Facebook Stichting BOB Aruba.
Koningin Wilhelmina Fonds Aruba, Call +297 582-0412 or Facebook Koningin Wilhelmina Fonds Aruba.
