October is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when people across the globe unite to raise awareness about prevention, early detection, treatment, and support. But beyond awareness, October is also an important reminder of the critical role breast cancer clinical research plays in advancing treatments and improving survival rates. As we come together this month, it’s vital to not only support those affected by breast cancer but also to champion the ongoing research that holds the key to future breakthroughs.

According to WHO, each year, approximately 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed globally, leading to around 670,000 deaths annually.¹ This makes breast cancer the second most common cancer by incidence and the fourth by mortality. It’s important to also note that about 0.5 - 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men^1.

In the United States alone, per SEER, there are approximately 310,000 new cases and 42,000 deaths each year.² Based on current statistics, it is predicted that in high-income and developed countries 12 – 13 out of every 100 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime,^{1, 2} – which is 1 in 8 women.

This reality underscores the importance of professional and personal support for those facing this diagnosis. Many of us have a relative or friend affected by breast cancer, making it crucial that we continue to support each other, and raise awareness for breast cancer throughout the year.

Additionally in the U.S., the average 5-year survival rate for breast cancer is approximately 91%. For localized, early-detected breast cancer, this rate increases to 99.6%. However, metastatic breast cancer has a significantly lower 5-year survival rate of about 32%³. Despite significant advancements in treatment options and their efficacy in recent years, the need for better therapies remains.

Clinical trials offer breast cancer patients access to promising treatments and personalized care, while also contributing to the advancement of medical science.

According to ClinicalTrials.gov, a search for "breast cancer" returns over 2,400 clinical studies recruiting patients and more than 600 trials that are open but not yet recruiting. Of these, almost 450 are Phase I studies, nearly 800 Phase II, and over 230 Phase III.⁴ Literature estimates that only 2-8% of adults with all types of cancer participate in clinical trials^5-7. However, some data suggests that breast cancer patients are more likely to participate compared to those with other cancers⁸.

A significant concern is that approximately 33% of patients with metastatic breast cancer – those who may be most eager to participate – are often ineligible due to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. While these criteria are typically necessary for early-phase studies, there is hope that later-phase trials will become more inclusive of real-world patients.

Breast cancer patients are often among the most motivated and supportive groups, frequently forming associations, sharing knowledge and offering each other encouragement by discussing their experiences. They are also key sources of information about new treatment options for other patients and may advocate for treatment reimbursement.

We encourage all readers to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month – whether by getting screened themselves or by spreading awareness and supporting others. Throughout October, you can find valuable resources about breast cancer, including information on diagnostics and treatment options, from national and international health organizations.

We believe that together - researchers, physicians, scientists, patient groups, patients, families, and each of us - can take steps towards early detection, effective and personalized treatments, and thus reduce the burden of this disease.

Sources:

1. WHO, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer, access 22Sep2024
2. https://www.breastcancer.org/facts-statistics, access 22Sep2024
3. SEER, https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast.html , access 22Sep2024
4. gov, access 22Sep2024
5. https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.23.01030, Unger J. M et all, National Estimates of the Participation of Patients With Cancer in Clinical Research Studies Based on Commission on Cancer Accreditation Data, J Clin Oncol 42:2139-2148
6. Chen J, Lu Y, Kummar S. Increasing patient participation in oncology clinical trials. Cancer Med. 2023;12:2219-2226, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cam4.5150
7. Fallon Lalor et al.,Why aren’t more patients with breast cancer enrolled in clinical trials?. JCO 40, 84-84(2022). 1200/JCO.2022.40.28_suppl.084
8. Presti D et all. Factors associated with enrolment in clinical trials among women with early-stage breast cancer. ESMO Open. 2022 Jun;7(3):10051, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9271499/