Latin America and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer 1st Edition: 17 cancer prevention recommendations to the public and to policy-makers (World Code Against Cancer Framework).

Preventable risk factors are responsible of at least 40% of cases and almost 45% of all cancer deaths worldwide. Cancer is already the leading cause of death in almost half of the Latin American and the Caribbean countries constituting a public health problem. Cost-effective measures to reduce exposures through primary prevention and screening of certain types of cancers are critical in the fight against cancer but need to be tailored to the local needs and scenarios. The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Code Against Cancer, 1st edition, consists of 17 evidence-based recommendations for the general public, based on the most recent solid evidence on lifestyle, environmental, occupational, and infectious risk factors, and medical interventions. Each recommendation is accompanied by recommendations for policymakers to guide governments establishing the infrastructure needed to enable the public adopting the recommendations. The LAC Code Against Cancer has been developed in a collaborative effort by a large number of experts from the region, under the umbrella strategy and authoritative methodology of the World Code Against Cancer Framework. The Code is a structured instrument ideal for cancer prevention and control that aims to raise awareness and educate the public, while building capacity and competencies to policymakers, health professionals, stakeholders, to contribute to reduce the burden of cancer in LAC.

Global analysis of advanced/metastatic breast cancer: Decade report (2005-2015).

Approximately 0.5 million people worldwide die from metastatic breast cancer (mBC) every year. This manuscript provides an overview on the status of mBC in several regions of the world, highlighting the gaps in care, resources, and support available for patients with mBC. Primary research was conducted in 2015 and 2016, comprising four global qualitative and quantitative surveys of approximately 15,000 individuals in 34 countries. Secondary research was conducted using literature reviews of peer-reviewed publications, patient survey reports, and media or online articles. There have been modest improvements in mBC outcomes over the past decade. Patients are not provided with adequate information about mBC. There is a need for open discussion with patients and caregivers about realistic goals; however, physicians are not trained in communicating with patients about their disease. Maintaining patients' quality of life is a crucial goal; however, this has not improved, and in some cases, may have declined in the past decade. Public awareness and understanding of mBC is limited, with damaging consequences for patients and caregivers. Issues affecting employment remain relevant to patients with mBC and their caregivers. Globally, mBC is associated with a substantial economic burden. Relationships with caregivers are crucial to patients with mBC, and caregiver support needs are often overlooked. A strong and united global effort among healthcare professionals, including clinicians, oncologists, pharmaceutical manufacturers, payers, and policy makers, and with advocates, families, and patients, is necessary to improve the outcome and quality of life for patients with mBC.