Breast cancer and health policies in Mexico

In Mexico, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, accounting for almost 25% of all types of cancer. The average age at diagnosis is approximately 58.2 years. Despite national Mexican guidelines regarding monthly breast self-examination, annual clinical breast exams, and screening mammography for women aged 40-69, the early breast cancer diagnosis in Mexico faces challenges. Insufficient resources are allocated to healthcare due to limited screening coverage, resulting in barriers to access, and as a consequence, a high percentage of cases are being self-detected or diagnosed at late stages. In Mexico, a decline in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer has been observed. Key issues, besides insufficient resources, include several factors that hinder early detection, such as low mammography coverage and socio-cultural factors like fear and a lack of information, especially in rural and low-education populations. Otherwise, Mexican health policies vary significantly with each change in government and hinder continuity in breast cancer prevention policies. Besides, lack of access to social security, unemployment, being female, and low educational level negatively influence access to early diagnosis and treatment.