Breast cancer organizations
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Breast Cancer Organizations: Roles, Impact, and Global Initiatives
World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumours of the Breast
The World Health Organization (WHO) has made significant updates to its Classification of Tumours of the Breast, which is a critical reference for diagnosing breast cancer and guiding research. The latest edition emphasizes treatment-relevant subtypes of invasive carcinoma based on estrogen receptor (ER) and HER2 status, reflecting differences in pathogenesis, treatment response, and prognosis. This classification is increasingly evidence-based, incorporating input from various disciplines and utilizing advanced digital tools like whole slide images and hyperlinks to external guidance.
Role of Breast Cancer Civil Society Organizations (NGOs)
Breast cancer civil society organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in breast cancer control, with their activities varying significantly based on the resource settings of the countries they operate in. In low and lower-middle-income countries, NGOs often focus on direct medical services, information dissemination, community awareness, and early detection campaigns, frequently in collaboration with hospitals and medical professionals. In contrast, in upper-middle and high-income countries, these organizations are more likely to be survivor-led, focusing on emotional support, research, advocacy, and legal rights, rather than direct medical services .
Social Media and Breast Cancer Awareness
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, various health-related organizations utilize social media platforms like Twitter to spread awareness. A content analysis of tweets from organizations such as Susan G. Komen and Breast Cancer Social Media revealed that these entities use different theoretical constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM) to communicate their messages. This approach helps in tailoring the content to effectively raise awareness and educate the public about breast cancer.
Advocacy and Scientific Collaboration
The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) exemplifies the partnership between breast cancer advocates and scientists. NBCC ensures that advocates, who are often survivors or those personally affected by breast cancer, are involved in decision-making processes related to research and policy. Through initiatives like Project LEAD and the Environmental Initiative, NBCC educates advocates and fosters collaboration with the scientific community to enhance the quality and impact of breast cancer research.
Global Health Initiatives
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality among women worldwide, with significant disparities in survival rates between developed and developing regions. The WHO's Global Breast Cancer Initiative aims to address these disparities through health promotion, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment and supportive care. This initiative seeks to improve survival rates globally by tackling the challenges of delayed diagnosis and lack of access to effective treatment.
Conclusion
Breast cancer organizations, ranging from global entities like the WHO to grassroots advocacy groups like the NBCC, play diverse and vital roles in combating breast cancer. Their efforts span from updating critical diagnostic classifications and leveraging social media for awareness to advocating for research and policy changes. These organizations are essential in addressing the global burden of breast cancer, improving patient outcomes, and striving for equitable access to care and treatment.
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