Breast cancer: women demand a say beyond treatment

Palma, Mallorca: women with breast cancer want clear information and a say in decisions about their care, not just treatment. On World Breast Cancer Day, 19 October, the Spanish Association Against Cancer calls for support that also covers the emotional, family, social and work effects of a diagnosis.

A say in care

Patients need to understand what is happening to them and feel that professionals have time to listen, the association says. It wants care that takes account of life beyond the illness itself.

Breast cancer has the second-highest incidence of any cancer in Spain. An estimated 38,318 new cases will be diagnosed in 2026, and more than 516,000 women will be living with a diagnosis. The association puts the five-year net survival rate at 87.8%, but says many patients still need support in day-to-day life.

Help beyond treatment

In 2025, the association helped 22,827 women with breast cancer. Of those, 14,349 received psychological support, 9,426 social support and 8,071 healthcare.

It has more than €32 million committed to 110 breast cancer research projects. The work includes trials of new treatments, research into preventing the cancer from spreading and ways to tailor treatment for aggressive breast cancer.

Topics: Health

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com