[Breast cancer trends in Latin America and the Caribbean].
Breast cancer is currently the most significant cause of death from malignancies in Latin American women, including cervical cancer.


OBJECTIVE
Describe the magnitude and spatial-temporal distribution of breast cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) from 1979-2005.


METHODS
National and international incidence and mortality statistics were reviewed and organized (registries, databases, and published literature), basic estimators and mortality ratios for each country were calculated and trends were analyzed.


RESULTS
Despite substantial data gaps in incidence for many countries, an increase in incidence and mortality is observed in LAC countries. Deaths/cases ratios illustrate problems in access to detection and treatment and the greatest gaps are observed in poorer countries.


CONCLUSIONS
A regional effort is needed to improve information systems related to cancer in general and breast cancer in particular. It is imperative to develop strategies to improve diagnostic infrastructure in order to achieve early detection and effective treatment and halt the upward trend in premature mortality.
Lozano-Ascencio
Rafael
R
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301, 5th Ave, Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, USA. rlozano@u.washington.edu
Gómez-Dantés
Héctor
H
Lewis
Sarah
S
Torres-Sánchez
Luisa
L
López-Carrillo
Lizbeth
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017691:Caribbean Region / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007843:Latin America / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult