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Breast Cancer in Andalusia: Beyond Screening

Data analysis reveals that while incidence is lower, breast cancer mortality in Andalusia exceeds the Spanish average.

Pink ribbon symbol of the fight against breast cancer, with a blurred hospital background.
IA

Pink ribbon symbol of the fight against breast cancer, with a blurred hospital background.

Breast cancer, the most common in women, shows higher mortality rates in Andalusia than the Spanish average despite lower estimated incidence, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach beyond mammography screening.

Breast cancer continues to be a significant public health challenge for women in Andalusia. While advances in diagnosis and treatment have notably improved prognosis, it remains a leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Concurrently, other cancers like lung and colorectal are gaining prominence in female oncological mortality, necessitating rigorous analysis based on up-to-date data.
Population-based screening through mammography is a key tool in secondary prevention, aiming to detect tumors at earlier stages to facilitate less aggressive treatments and reduce mortality. In Andalusia, the program targets women aged 47 to 71, offering mammograms every two years within an organized circuit that ensures invitations, test quality, diagnosis, and timely access to treatment.
However, screening alone does not fully explain mortality rates. The complete care chain, from invitation to treatment and comprehensive oncological care, is crucial. Recent data suggest that although the estimated incidence of breast cancer in Andalusia is lower than the Spanish average, mortality in women under 75 is higher. This combination warrants a detailed analysis of survival rates, diagnosis stage, and care times.
A recent analysis estimates that Andalusia recorded approximately 275 more breast cancer deaths between 2019 and 2024 compared to the expected trend in the rest of Spain. While this figure is relevant, it must be interpreted cautiously, as it is an aggregated analysis that does not specify causes and requires more comprehensive studies to identify determining factors.
Population-based cancer registries, such as the one in Granada, are essential for understanding the epidemiology. The latest data indicate that breast cancer accounts for 27% of cancers diagnosed in women in Granada, with an estimated incidence rate of 127 cases per 100,000 women and 98 deaths in 2024. Five-year net survival has improved, rising from 85% in 2006-2010 to 89% in 2016-2020.
The debate on breast cancer should extend beyond the effectiveness of screening to encompass the quality and equity of the entire care pathway. European evidence supports that screening programs, combined with diagnostic and therapeutic advancements, contribute to reducing mortality. Future research is moving towards personalized screening models based on individual risk and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance program precision and efficiency.
Transparency regarding the benefits and limitations of screening is vital for building trust and enabling informed decisions. Andalusia possesses valuable programs, qualified professionals, and registries; however, continuous evaluation of coverage, participation, diagnostic and therapeutic times, diagnosis stage, survival, and equity is essential. The goal is to improve breast cancer care, ensuring every woman receives timely diagnosis and treatment.

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