Bridging the Breast Cancer Awareness Gap: Insights from a Pan-European Survey
A newly released survey, sponsored by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, underscores the urgent need for more accessible and accurate information about breast cancer. Conducted across five major European countries with 7,750 respondents, the study highlights widespread misconceptions and a significant lack of public awareness, particularly regarding metastatic breast cancer.1
Key Findings from the Survey
Recognition of Breast Cancer Challenges
The survey results indicate that a substantial portion of the population acknowledges that breast cancer remains a significant health challenge. More than one-third of respondents recognize that the disease has not been fully overcome. This perception is particularly strong in Spain (49%) and the UK (46%), where the majority of respondents do not believe in the likelihood of a cure.
Demand for Readily Available Information
An overwhelming Survey 88% of respondents expressed a strong desire for more information about breast cancer. The most sought-after topics include:
- New treatment options
- Life expectancy and survival rates
- Quality of life for breast cancer patients
Despite this strong interest, Survey 43% of respondents reported concerns regarding the complexity of medical information available, highlighting the need for simplified, patient-friendly resources.
Age and Breast Cancer Risk Misconceptions
A significant portion of survey participants—50%—erroneously believe that age does not influence the risk of developing metastatic breast cancer. However, medical research confirms that increased age is a considerable risk factor for developing the disease.
Regional Gaps in Breast Cancer Awareness
Public awareness about metastatic breast cancer varies widely across Europe. The highest awareness levels were reported in Spain, where Survey 93% of respondents demonstrated some understanding or certainty about the disease. In contrast, only 59% of respondents in the UK had similar levels of knowledge, indicating considerable regional disparities.
Limited Awareness of Biomarkers
Despite their critical role in personalized treatment, biomarkers remain poorly understood by the general public. Three-quarters of respondents were unfamiliar with the concept of biomarkers. Awareness was highest in Spain (34%), followed by Italy (31%) and Germany (23%). The lowest levels of biomarker awareness were reported in France and the UK, both at 18%.
Why Awareness Matters: The Impact of Early Detection
Raising public awareness about breast cancer can directly impact survival rates through earlier detection and better treatment management. In Europe, approximately 558,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year, leading to approximately 145,000 deaths.3 Even with established screening programs, an estimated 30% of early-stage breast cancer patients eventually develop metastatic disease. Additionally, 5% to 10% of all breast cancers are diagnosed at stage 4 (metastatic) upon initial presentation.4,5
Access to clear, reliable, and easy-to-understand healthcare information is crucial. Increasing public awareness can help:
- Improve early detection rates
- Facilitate informed treatment decisions
- Enhance survival rates and quality of life for patients
Expert Perspectives on Improving Breast Cancer Awareness
Dr. Fatima Cardoso, President of the Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) Global Alliance, Lisbon, Portugal:
“People should not have to experience breast cancer firsthand to understand its impact. Earlier detection saves lives. It is vital that information about breast cancer is accessible, widely available, and easy to comprehend. This will help improve patient outcomes by ensuring they receive the best possible care and treatment.
Additionally, increasing patient awareness about biomarkers is essential. Biomarkers provide critical biological insights into cancer severity and prognosis. They allow for individualized treatment plans, enabling targeted therapies that can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.”
Dr. Markus Kosch, Head of Europe and Canada Oncology Business Division, Daiichi Sankyo:
“The survey results highlight that, despite the high incidence of cancer in Europe, many misconceptions persist, and significant gaps in public knowledge remain. Greater awareness about breast cancer and metastatic disease is necessary to empower individuals to seek medical support at the earliest possible stage.
At Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, we are committed to working alongside patient advocacy groups to deliver accurate and reliable information. It is essential that every individual knows where to access life-saving information—not just for breast cancer, but for all types of cancer.”
Greg Rossi, Senior Vice President Oncology, Europe and Canada, AstraZeneca:
“These insights, combined with the concerning statistics about breast cancer prevalence and its impact, reinforce the urgent need for global collaboration among policy leaders, clinicians, and patient advocacy organizations. Together, we must ensure that breast cancer—especially metastatic disease—remains a top healthcare priority.
Through our partnership with Daiichi Sankyo, we are committed to dismantling barriers that prevent patients from accessing the care and information they need. Everyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis deserves access to comprehensive knowledge about their condition and the best possible treatment options.”
The Path to Better Breast Cancer Education
Addressing gaps in public knowledge about breast cancer requires a multi-faceted approach, including:
- Enhanced Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments and healthcare organizations should invest in public education initiatives to ensure that individuals understand breast cancer risks, symptoms, and available treatments.
- Simplified Medical Information: Medical institutions should work toward producing easily digestible content that helps patients and caregivers comprehend complex medical data without confusion.
- Accessible Biomarker Education: Greater efforts should be made to educate the public on the role of biomarkers in cancer treatment, enabling more patients to benefit from personalized medicine approaches.
- Collaboration with Advocacy Groups: Partnerships between pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and patient organizations can improve the distribution of critical health information.
