COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ADVOCACY IN BREAST CANCER PREVENTION: A PUBLIC HEALTH IMPERATIVE

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries due to late diagnosis, limited healthcare access, and insufficient public awareness. Community engagement and advocacy have emerged as critical public health strategies for breast cancer prevention, translating policy into actionable interventions at the population level. This narrative review examines the role of community-driven initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and grassroots programs in promoting early detection, enhancing health literacy, and reducing disparities in outcomes. By highlighting successful models and identifying ongoing challenges, the review emphasizes the necessity of integrating community participation and advocacy into national and global cancer control frameworks to improve breast cancer prevention and health equity