Greece records 8,700 new breast cancer cases and 2,400 deaths annually

Greece records approximately 8,700 new breast cancer diagnoses and 2,400 deaths each year, highlighting the importance of early detection, regular screening and access to timely treatment, according to figures cited by the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY).

The figures were highlighted in an October 9 report published by Greek news outlet Efsyn as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness of the disease and promoting prevention and early diagnosis.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Although advances in screening and treatment have improved outcomes, it remains a major public health concern in Greece and internationally.

BREAST CANCER STATISTICS IN GREECE AND EUROPE
According to estimates from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) and the European Cancer Information System (ECIS), approximately 2.4 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, while around 694,000 deaths were recorded.

In the European Union, the estimates for the same period stood at approximately 362,000 new cases and 93,000 deaths.

In Greece, around one in eight women is estimated to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. More than half of new cases occur among women aged 45 to 69, while approximately 16% are diagnosed in women under 50. The average age at diagnosis is 62, according to figures cited by EODY radiation oncologist Ioannis Kakoulidis.

EARLY DETECTION IMPROVES SURVIVAL
Kakoulidis emphasized that breast cancer can have a favourable prognosis when detected early.

According to the figures cited in the report, five-year survival exceeds 91% across age groups and disease stages, rising above 99% for cases diagnosed at an early stage.

Breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making screening particularly important. Warning signs that warrant medical assessment include a lump in the breast or armpit, persistent breast pain, changes in breast size or shape, skin redness or an orange-peel appearance, and changes to the nipple. Persistent itching or dry skin in the breast area may also require evaluation.

RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION
Several factors can influence the risk of developing breast cancer, including age, sex, family history and inherited genetic variants.

Women with a close relative who has had breast cancer, or those carrying certain genetic variants such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2, may face an increased risk. Other factors associated with breast cancer include hormonal influences, obesity after menopause, alcohol consumption, smoking and previous radiation exposure to the chest at a young age.

Health professionals stress that awareness of personal risk factors and appropriate medical advice can help women make informed decisions about screening.

GREECE OFFERS FREE SCREENING THROUGH THE “PROLAMVANO” PROGRAMME
In Greece, breast cancer screening is available through the Ministry of Health’s national prevention programme, “Prolamvano.”

According to the report, the programme targets women aged 45 to 74 in the general population who are not classified as being at increased risk of breast cancer. It provides digital mammography every two years at no cost, with additional breast ultrasound when further investigation is needed and a clinical examination by a specialist when findings warrant it.

The programme forms part of Greece’s broader national and European efforts to strengthen cancer prevention and early diagnosis.

Citing the American Cancer Society, Kakoulidis also noted that breast cancer deaths in the United States declined by 44% between 1989 and 2024, a reduction attributed largely to improvements in early detection and treatment. The report cited screening as reducing breast cancer mortality by approximately 20% to 35% among women aged 50 to 69, with a smaller effect among those aged 40 to 49.

The central message of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is that early detection can make a significant difference. Health professionals encourage women to learn about the screening options available to them and consult healthcare providers about appropriate examinations.