Breast cancer is the most common malignancy globally (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers). Whilst 5-year survival in high income countries has increased to 85-90% in the last 40 years, progress has not been made in LIC and LMICs where survival is typically in the region of 50-60%, and as low as 44% in South Africa. Presenting with late-stage (advanced or metastatic) disease is a major contributor to poor outcomes.

In the absence of population-based screening and inaccessibility to advanced treatment technologies, earlier diagnosis of breast cancer is essential in improving outcomes from the disease. Early detection starts with Breast Health awareness – recognition of the symptoms and signs of cancer, knowledge of breast self-examination, and the importance of seeking medical advice whenever an abnormality is detected – is the most valuable tool in driving earlier diagnosis of breast cancer, at a stage where cure is more likely to be achieved. WHO has made early detection the first pillar of its global breast cancer initiative, alongside improving the quality and speed of diagnosis and reducing treatment abandonment.

Training healthcare workers to provide breast health education at the community and primary care levels is an essential counterpart to developing a countries specialist oncology care services. The two are complementary and together enhance outcomes for patients with breast cancer. A cohort of trained primary level workers has a legacy effect through ongoing provision of education over time, embedding education on breast health awareness into normal practice and delivering sustainable change.

Sanofi Health Global Unit and the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) have partnered to implementing these intiatives.