Policy Brief On Advancing Breast Cancer Prevention and Care

Breast cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, yet women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to face late diagnosis, limited access to quality care, and severe financial hardship. These inequities are driven by systemic gaps in health systems, financing, data, and gender-responsive leadership.

This policy brief by Women in Global Health examines breast cancer prevention and care through a gender and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) lens, highlighting how gender norms, stigma, and exclusion from decision-making shape outcomes across the cancer care continuum. Aligned with the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI), the brief presents evidence-based, actionable strategies to improve early detection, expand access to treatment, strengthen health systems, and center women’s leadership.

By amplifying women’s voices, especially those of survivors and frontline health workers, this brief calls for urgent, coordinated action to ensure breast cancer prevention and care are fully integrated into UHC commitments, so no woman is left behind.