Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, and contrary to the popular belief that it is primarily a First World problem, its burden is increasingly shifting to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

By 2040, projections indicate that 60% of the world’s new breast cancer cases and 70% of related deaths will occur in LMICs, where survival rates are significantly lower than those in high-income countries.

In response to this challenge, Dr. Benjamin Anderson, Professor Emeritus of Surgery and Global Health Medicine at the University of Washington (UW), advocates for the World Health Organization Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) framework centered on three key pillars to improve breast cancer outcomes globally: early detection, prompt diagnosis, and treatment to completing. While prevention through modifiable risk factors such as obesity and alcohol consumption is important, it addresses only a small percentage of the disease burden. The focus, therefore, must be on the timely identification of cancers, accurate diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment to reduce mortality.

On Thursday, October 30th, 2024, Dr. Anderson joined the Binaytara Foundation staff, along with other registered participants, for our monthly “Perspectives in Global Health” webinar. During this session, Dr. Anderson explored the specific challenges facing LMICs, where inadequate access to early detection and treatment systems contributes to significantly lower survival rates compared to high-income countries.

We have posted a video of the event below for those interested in learning more about the challenges and opportunities in global breast cancer care, as well as the practical frameworks that can be implemented to improve outcomes. We invite you to watch the full webinar recording.

About Dr. Benjamin O. Anderson

Dr. Ben O. Anderson is Professor Emeritus of Surgery and Global Health Medicine at the University of Washington (UW). As surgical director of the UW Breast Health Clinic, Dr. Anderson cared for patients with breast health issues and diseases from 1994-2020. He also served as president of the American Society of Breast Disease (ASBD) from 2005–2007 and vice chair of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Breast Panel from 2013-2020.

Dr. Anderson has worked internationally in global cancer control for over 25 years. With joint appointments at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Division of Public Health Sciences and the UW Department of Global Health, Dr. Anderson chaired the Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI), which pioneered the development of “resource-stratified” guidelines in low- and middle-income countries. Dr. Anderson served on the Board of Directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) from 2012 – 2018. In 2020, Dr. Anderson joined the World Health Organization (WHO) and served as WHO Medical Officer to lead the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) launched in March 2021. After overseeing the publication of the GBCI Framework in 2023, Dr. Anderson transitioned from WHO to City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) as Global Technical Lead for Breast Cancer, where he continues to lead implementation projects based on the GBCI Framework in an ongoing partnership between C/Can and WHO.