Breast cancer survival rate in Catalonia at 90% five years after diagnosis
Health department encourages early detection through regular testing
Catalonia saw 5,337 breast cancer diagnoses in 2023, accounting for 28.7% of all tumors registered in women, according to the health department's announcement on Saturday, which coincided with the International Day Against Breast Cancer.
The breast cancer survival rate in Catalonia currently stands at 89.3% five years after diagnosis.
In 2023, 1,067 women in Catalonia died from breast cancer, representing 15.6% of all female cancer-related deaths, which translates to about 26.4 deaths per 100,000 women.
By region, Barcelona registered 3,952 cases, Tarragona 566, Girona 526, and Lleida 293.
To improve the chances of successful treatment, the health department is encouraging women to undergo regular testing for early detection, even in the absence of symptoms. Health authorities recommend women aged 50 to 69 receive breast screenings (mammograms) every two years.
Around 510,000 women in Catalonia were invited to these screenings, and 330,000 attended. Experts diagnosed 1,500 cases of cancer through these screenings.
To reduce the risk of breast cancer, doctors recommend avoiding smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet, among other lifestyle choices.
Listen to our latest Filling the Sink podcast episode on breast cancer in Catalonia.