Global Breast Cancer Survival Estimates

IARC, WHO and partner institutions published the first country-comparable WHO Global Breast Cancer Survival Estimates on 8 July 2026. The study calculated age-standardised five-year net survival for women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2017 and 2021 in all 194 WHO Member States.

Regional Differences

It found striking regional differences, with average survival estimated at 39.1 percent in the WHO African Region and 88.5 percent in the Region of the Americas. The estimates establish a global benchmark for the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative and its 60-60-80 targets. These targets call for at least 60 percent of invasive breast cancers to be diagnosed at stage I or II, diagnostic evaluation to be completed within 60 days and at least 80 percent of patients to receive recommended multimodality treatment without abandonment.

Survival Improvements

Although the publication is not a screening recommendation, it is highly relevant to breast screening and early-detection policy because survival improvements depend on finding disease earlier and connecting women rapidly to accurate diagnosis and effective care. The results also show that detection alone is insufficient when pathology, surgery, radiotherapy, systemic treatment or follow-up services are unavailable. Comparable survival estimates can help countries identify weaknesses across the care pathway and measure progress over time. In countries with limited registry information, the study also highlights the need to improve population-based cancer surveillance. The publication provides an important international reference for addressing unequal breast cancer outcomes.

Direct link:
https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/global-breast-cancer-survival-estimates-in-2017-2021-to-advance-the-who-global-breast-cancer-initiative/