Report on Breast Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment in the Context of Sustainable Development Goal 3

In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this report synthesizes current information on breast cancer, focusing on public health education, prevention, and treatment. These efforts are central to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, particularly Target 3.4, concerning the reduction of premature mortality from non-communicable diseases.

Statistical Overview

Breast cancer remains a significant public health challenge. According to data from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, it is estimated that in 2025, over 317,000 women and 2,800 men in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease, equating to a new diagnosis approximately every two minutes.

Advancing Public Health Education and Awareness

In line with SDG 3, enhancing public knowledge is critical for early detection and improved health outcomes. Research from Zhaoli Liu, a nursing professor at The University of Texas at Arlington, highlights several key areas for public education.

Common Misconceptions Regarding Breast Cancer

• Gender Specificity: A prevalent myth is that breast cancer only affects women. Men are also susceptible to the disease.
• Symptomatic Presentation: The disease does not always manifest as a lump. Other warning signs include changes in breast shape, skin texture, or nipple appearance.
• Hereditary Factors: While family history can be a risk factor, most breast cancer cases occur in individuals with no family history of the disease.
• Age: Breast cancer is not limited to older populations; young women can also be at risk.
• Treatment Protocols: Surgical intervention is not universally a mastectomy; treatment plans are varied and increasingly personalized.

Key Warning Signs for Early Detection

Prompt medical evaluation is recommended if any of the following signs are observed:

• New lumps or thickened areas in the breast or underarm.
• Changes in breast size or shape.
• Skin alterations such as dimpling, puckering, or redness.
• Nipple changes, including inversion, discharge, or scaling.
• Persistent breast or nipple pain.

Progress in Diagnostics and Screening

Recent advancements in medical technology have significantly improved breast cancer detection, contributing to earlier diagnosis and better prognoses. Key improvements include:

1. Advanced Imaging: The use of 3D mammography provides more detailed images, enhancing detection accuracy.
2. Genetic Testing: Identification of genetic predispositions allows for personalized risk assessments and proactive monitoring for high-risk individuals.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Interventions

Promoting healthy lifestyles is a cornerstone of SDG 3. Research confirms that specific lifestyle choices can substantially reduce breast cancer risk and improve outcomes for patients.

The Role of Physical Activity

• Regular physical activity is associated with a 10%-20% lower risk of developing breast cancer.
• Studies indicate that even minimal vigorous activity, such as five minutes daily, can reduce overall cancer risk by up to 32%.
• Post-treatment exercise has been demonstrated to lower the risk of recurrence and improve survival rates.

The Impact of Diet

• Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and low in processed foods, may enhance treatment efficacy and reduce the risk of recurrence.
• The Mediterranean diet has been linked to a protective effect against breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Innovations in Breast Cancer Treatment

The evolution of cancer treatment toward personalized medicine offers new hope and improved outcomes for patients. Notable advancements include:

• Oral Targeted Therapies: Treatments such as Inluriyo and Inavolisib combinations target specific cancer cell mutations, slowing disease progression more effectively.
• Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Medications like Enhertu and datopotamab deruxtecan function as “smart chemotherapy,” delivering cytotoxic agents directly to cancer cells, thereby minimizing side effects on healthy tissue.
• Advanced Surgical and Imaging Tools: Enhanced technologies enable surgeons to identify and remove tumors with greater precision.

Recommendations for Risk Reduction and Achieving Health Targets

To support the objectives of SDG 3, a proactive approach to health is essential. The following actions are recommended for individuals to lower their breast cancer risk:

1. Adopt Healthy Habits: Maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid tobacco products.
2. Adhere to Screening Guidelines: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine screenings beginning at age 40, or earlier for individuals with elevated risk factors.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The primary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) addressed in the article is:

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The entire article is dedicated to breast cancer, a major non-communicable disease (NCD). It covers various aspects of health, including disease awareness, prevention through lifestyle choices, early detection methods, and advancements in medical treatment. The focus on reducing risk, improving diagnosis, and enhancing patient outcomes directly aligns with the core mission of SDG 3.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s focus on breast cancer, the following specific targets under SDG 3 can be identified:

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. The article directly supports this target by discussing:
     • Prevention: It highlights how lifestyle choices can lower breast cancer risk, stating that “engaging in regular physical activity is associated with a 10%-20% lower risk” and that a “diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber… may enhance treatment responses and reduce recurrence risk.”
     • Treatment and Early Detection: The article emphasizes that “early and getting them evaluated can greatly improve outcomes” and discusses how awareness, “better screening, and advanced imaging like 3D mammography” have led to “earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.”
   • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries. While not focused on developing countries, the article strongly supports the R&D aspect of this target by detailing cutting-edge treatments. It mentions “oral targeted therapies such as Inluriyo and Inavolisib combinations,” “Antibody-drug conjugates such as Enhertu and datopotamab deruxtecan,” and “better imaging and surgical tools.” The work of Professor Zhaoli Liu, who has “published extensively on breast cancer,” also exemplifies the research component of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators that can measure progress towards the identified targets:

   • Indicators for Target 3.4 (Prevention and Treatment of NCDs):
     • Risk Reduction Rates: The article provides specific metrics that can be used as indicators, such as the “10%-20% lower risk of developing breast cancer” associated with physical activity and the potential to “reduce cancer risk by up to 32%” with minimal vigorous activity.
     • Screening Adherence: The recommendation that “routine screenings should begin at the age of 40” implies that the percentage of the eligible population undergoing regular mammograms is a key indicator of prevention and early detection efforts.
     • Public Awareness Levels: The discussion on dispelling common myths and educating the public on warning signs (e.g., “changes in breast shape, skin, or nipples”) suggests that public knowledge and awareness levels are an important, measurable indicator of progress.
   • Indicators for Target 3.b (Research and Development):
     • Development of New Therapies: The article explicitly names new treatments like “Inluriyo,” “Inavolisib,” “Enhertu,” and “datopotamab deruxtecan.” The number and efficacy of newly approved drugs and medical technologies serve as a direct indicator of R&D progress.
     • Volume of Scientific Publications: The mention of Professor Liu’s extensive publications, including a “recent study in Geriatric Nursing,” points to academic research output as an indicator of ongoing R&D efforts in the field.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment.	Percentage reduction in cancer risk associated with lifestyle changes (e.g., 10-20% lower risk from exercise). Rates of adherence to screening guidelines (e.g., screenings beginning at age 40). Improved public awareness of early warning signs and symptoms. Rates of early diagnosis through advanced screening methods (e.g., 3D mammography).
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.b: Support the research and development of medicines and vaccines for non-communicable diseases.	Number of new, approved targeted therapies and antibody-drug conjugates (e.g., Inluriyo, Enhertu). Development of advanced imaging and surgical tools for precise tumor removal. Volume of published research studies on breast cancer detection and treatment.

Source: uta.edu