SCREENING, EDUCATION, AND POLICY: PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACHES TO REDUCING BREAST CANCER BURDEN

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, with survival outcomes largely determined by the timing of detection and access to care. Public health strategies anchored in screening, education, and policy interventions provide critical avenues for reducing disease burden and addressing inequities across populations. Screening enables early diagnosis, education promotes awareness and preventive health behaviors, and policies ensure sustainable access to services and resources. This narrative review examines the interplay of these three pillars, highlighting their individual contributions and synergistic potential in reducing disparities, improving survival, and strengthening health systems. Integrating evidence-based screening programs, culturally sensitive education, and supportive policy frameworks offers a comprehensive path toward effective breast cancer control and long-term population health improvement.