On the occasion of World Breast Cancer Day, we are reminded that this disease is the most common tumor among women and continues to be a major public health challenge. Just a few decades ago, being diagnosed with breast cancer often carried a serious prognosis. Today, thanks to advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, the survival rate and quality of life for women diagnosed with the disease have improved significantly.
Early detection has been a key factor in this progress, as it allows the cancer to be identified before symptoms appear or the tumor can be felt. At this stage, the chances of recovery are higher, and the impact on health is much lower.
With this goal in mind, population-based breast cancer screening programs were launched in most European countries, following the recommendations of the European Commission, to reduce mortality and improve the quality of life for affected women.
In the province of Tarragona, the Breast Cancer Early Detection Program began in 1998. Since then, more than 200,000 women aged 50 to 69 have been invited to have a mammogram every two years through the public healthcare system. Thanks to this, more than 3,000 cancers have been detected, most of them at an early stage (over 85%), when the prognosis is more favorable.
Since the start of the Program, overall breast cancer survival rates in the province have increased significantly—by eight percentage points at five years after diagnosis, from 87% to over 95%. This improvement also persists over the long term, but it is especially notable among women diagnosed thanks to their participation in the Program: more than 94% are still alive ten years after diagnosis, compared to 85% of those who did not participate.
These figures clearly show that early detection is one of the most effective strategies for improving breast cancer outcomes and reducing its impact on women’s health. Taking part in the Breast Cancer Early Detection Program is an opportunity to care for oneself, support personal health, and strengthen our shared commitment to prevention.
Head of the Breast Cancer Early Detection Program of Catalonia in Tarragona and Terres de l’Ebre.
Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention Service. Sant Joan University Hospital of Reus.