Breast Cancer Awareness Month: FemTech and Innovation in the Global Fight Against Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer and the Ongoing Struggle for Better Women's Healthcare 

Breast cancer has remained the most common cancer in the US and EU, and with the latest data showing no sign of decline, evidence suggests more needs to be done to both raise awareness and encourage early screenings, as well as to improve treatment and care. Although breast cancer ranks third in cancer-related deaths in the European Union at an estimated 7.5%, this does not by any means make it less relevant than other cancers. While the majority of the discussion so far has been centered on Europe and the United States, nowhere are the effects of the ongoing fight against breast cancer felt more than in developing countries. The ill-prepared healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries in the developing world continue to struggle with the growing burden of cancer care amid frequent outbreaks of diseases and infections that are already pulling limited resources from the already overburdened public health infrastructure. The lack of support in the fight against breast cancer is not limited to these countries alone, as it stems from the traditional under-prioritization of women’s healthcare, which is still remnant even in the developed world when it comes to issues such as clinical trials and research. Identifying inequalities in healthcare and the underrepresentation of women in studies, especially regarding cancer and the effects of cancer treatment on women, is the first step in rectifying the disparities that continue to marginalize women’s health needs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women's Health, women under 50 are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer compared to their male counterparts in the same group. Looking at the data and the patterns, it is clear that more needs to be done to improve women’s access to information and resources for them to be more informed about their bodies and well-being so they can make informed decisions early on before tumors progress. 

The Current Global Breast Cancer Market 

Although cancer mortality still remains high in the European Union, accounting for an estimated 
21.6% of total deaths according to a 2021 report by Eurostat, the number of cancer deaths has 
been declining since 2010 due to several factors such as increased availability of information 
and growing awareness of cancer and the importance of early screening, especially in women. 
But that progress is far from universal: mortality rates in most of the developing world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, have not experienced a similar downward trend according to a Global 
Cancer Observatory 2022 report. Unlike in the EU, the majority of deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa 
were female, signaling an alarming gender disparity driven by inadequate screening programs 
and barriers to timely treatment. Late diagnosis and lack of access to critical machines and 
equipment, such as linear accelerators (LINAC) used in radiotherapy, coupled with expensive 
and unevenly distributed hospitals, continue to contribute to the growing global mortality rates. 
In terms of market size and investment in the breast cancer market, the industry is forecasted to grow to $32.4 billion by 2030, according to the latest Precedence Research data at the time of 
writing this article. With North America taking the lead and the Asia-Pacific region not far behind 
in terms of market share, it is evident that the global breast cancer industry is expanding rapidly 
and responding to demand. 

FemTech, AI, and the Future of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Care 

The advancement of Artificial Intelligence in recent years and its use in breast cancer diagnosis, analysis, therapeutic response prediction, and screening is already showing positive signs of transforming our understanding of breast cancer and how we detect and treat the condition. The use of AI and machine learning in cancer treatment and diagnosis using algorithms will definitely improve access to proper healthcare, especially in underserved regions, as it will relieve the pressure on medical practitioners and radiologists by automating several time-consuming manual tasks. Poorly funded healthcare centers with basic equipment will also benefit from these technologies, as they will soon be able to perform sophisticated diagnostics through cloud-based AI-powered systems instead, without having to buy expensive technical equipment. Although AI offers unique opportunities for FemTech innovators to develop tailored treatments and breast cancer solutions for women, there is still a lot of ground to be covered to improve the reliability and accessibility of such products. Governments and venture capitals have a huge role to play in the future of breast cancer care, as the FemTech industry requires both capital and government-backed incentives to stimulate growth and innovation. Although several FemTech startups have emerged in the last decade to offer solutions such as advanced breast cancer imaging technology and breast cancer screening, the industry still has a long way to go in making a significant impact in combating breast cancer, especially outside North America and the EU.  

As a women-owned life sciences company, PQE Group remains committed to advancing FemTech and innovation to close the gender gap in access to healthcare and spearhead the development of safe and effective tailored solutions that improve the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this October, PQE Group, through its brand FemTech Next, will host an exclusive roadshow: an all-female panel where leading experts and professionals will address key topics shaping the future of women’s health.  

Discussions will focus on technological innovation in medical devices powered by artificial intelligence, genomics, clinical research, and regulatory aspects, with contributions from startups, big pharma, and real-life testimonials. The event will conclude with a networking aperitif designed to encourage the exchange of ideas and foster new collaborations. 

Don’t miss out, register here:  

https://webinar.pqegroup.com/next-health-horizons-innovazione-tra-prevenzione-diagnosi-e-cura  

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