UN Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health to Include Breast Cancer Recognition by 2025

Here’s a breakdown of the provided text, identifying its key components and arguments:

Main Purpose:

The text is a strong call too action urging Malaysia, as the chair of ASEAN in 2025, to advocate for the inclusion of breast cancer in the upcoming high-level meeting on NCDs in New york. The ultimate goal is for breast cancer to be recognized as a priority NCD on the global agenda.Key Arguments & Supporting Evidence:

Malaysia’s Burden:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer and leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Malaysia.
It accounts for over 30% of all female cancers. Nine women die from breast cancer daily in Malaysia. One in 19 Malaysian women is at risk of developing breast cancer.
Over 47% of cases are detected at late stages (Stage 3 or 4).
Malaysia’s five-year survival rate for breast cancer is among the worst in the Asia-Pacific.
A significant percentage (13.6%) of Malaysian women are diagnosed before age 40, which is higher than in Western countries.

Broader Regional/Global Context:
Breast cancer is a social, economic, and gendered issue, not just medical.
Women in low- and middle-income countries face barriers like stigma, low awareness, lack of mammogram access, and unaffordable treatment.
Health systems in these regions are frequently enough under strain, and cancer care infrastructure is underdeveloped.
The incidence of breast cancer is rising in Southeast Asia due to urbanization, lifestyle changes, and aging populations.
Health illiteracy, lack of national screening programs, and diagnostic delays contribute to high mortality rates in the region.
Global health advocates agree that breast cancer cannot be excluded from NCD agendas and requires a multisectoral response. Including breast cancer is crucial for countries like Malaysia and others in Southeast Asia to meet SDG 3.4 (reducing premature NCD mortality).

Call to Action (Specific Demands from the Galen Center):

The Galen Centre calls for the 2025 United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs and mental Health to:

1. Explicitly include breast cancer as a priority NCD.
2. Recognize the unique challenges faced by women in low- and middle-income countries regarding prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.
3. Support equity in cancer control by committing to:

Universal health coverage
Affordable medicines
Early detection programs
Investments in oncology infrastructure

1. Promote national cancer control strategies that integrate breast cancer with measurable targets and accountability.

Key Persona/Author:

Azrul Mohd Khalib, Chief Executive of the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy. This indicates the text is a policy-focused piece from a health advocacy organization.

Disclaimers:

The text includes a disclaimer stating that the views expressed are personal to the writer/publication and do not necessarily represent CodeBlue. this suggests CodeBlue is the platform where this opinion piece is published.In essence, the author is leveraging the upcoming UN meeting and Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship to champion the cause of breast cancer as a critical NCD that demands greater global attention and action, particularly for women in developing nations.

How will the inclusion of breast cancer in the UN Declaration impact resource allocation for global cancer initiatives?

UN Political declaration on NCDs & Mental Health: A Landmark Inclusion for Breast Cancer – 2025 Update

The Expanding Scope of Global Health Declarations

The United Nations Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) adn Mental Health is undergoing a notable evolution, with a projected inclusion of specific recognition for breast cancer by the end of 2025. This growth marks a crucial step forward in global health policy, acknowledging the multifaceted challenges posed by this prevalent cancer and its intersection with mental wellbeing. This article, updated July 16, 2025, details the implications of this inclusion, the driving forces behind it, and what it means for patients, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups. Key terms include: breast cancer awareness,ncds,mental health support,UN health policy,global cancer burden.

Understanding the Current landscape of NCDs

Non-communicable diseases – including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes – are the leading cause of death globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that NCDs account for 74% of all deaths worldwide. Recognizing this escalating crisis, the UN first adopted a Political Declaration on NCDs in 2011, aiming to mobilize global action.

The 2011 Declaration: Focused on prevention,control,and addressing risk factors.

Subsequent Reviews: Highlighted gaps in implementation and the need for a more comprehensive approach, particularly concerning mental health.

The 2025 Update: Represents a renewed commitment, expanding the scope to explicitly address specific cancers like breast cancer and their associated psychological impact.

Why Breast Cancer? The Case for Specific Recognition

For years, advocates have argued for the specific inclusion of breast cancer within the UN’s NCD framework. Several factors contribute to this urgency:

high Incidence Rates: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women globally, impacting millions annually. Breast cancer statistics are consistently alarming.

Disparities in Access to Care: Significant inequalities exist in access to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Global cancer disparities remain a major concern.

mental Health Impact: A breast cancer diagnosis often triggers significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. The link between cancer and mental health is now widely acknowledged.

Economic Burden: The cost of breast cancer treatment and care places a significant economic burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. cancer care costs are a growing global issue.

The Intersection of Breast Cancer and Mental Health

The inclusion of breast cancer recognition within the NCD and mental Health declaration acknowledges the profound psychological impact of the disease. This isn’t simply about treating the physical illness; it’s about holistic care.

Diagnosis & Anxiety: The initial diagnosis frequently enough leads to overwhelming anxiety and fear.

Treatment Side Effects: Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can have debilitating side effects that impact mental wellbeing.

Body Image & Self-Esteem: Breast cancer and its treatment can significantly alter body image and self-esteem.

Fear of Recurrence: The constant fear of cancer returning can lead to chronic stress and anxiety.

Support Systems: Access to adequate mental health support for cancer patients is crucial, including counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care.

What Does the UN Declaration Mean in Practice?

The UN Political Declaration isn’t legally binding,but it carries significant weight. It serves as a powerful call to action for member states, encouraging them to:

1. Integrate Breast Cancer into National Health Plans: Prioritize breast cancer screening, early detection, and treatment within national healthcare systems.
2. Increase Funding for Research: Invest in research to improve understanding of breast cancer biology, develop new treatments, and address disparities in care.Cancer research funding is vital.
3. Strengthen Mental Health services: Expand access to mental health support for breast cancer patients and their families.
4. Raise Public Awareness: implement public health campaigns to promote breast cancer awareness, early detection, and healthy lifestyles. Breast cancer prevention is key.
5. Improve Data Collection: Enhance data collection on breast cancer incidence,mortality,and treatment outcomes to inform policy and track progress.

Real-World Examples & Initiatives

Several initiatives are already underway that align with the goals of the UN declaration:

WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative: Aims to close the care gap and reduce breast cancer mortality globally.

The Pink Ribbon Campaign: A global movement raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support.

National Screening programs: Many countries have implemented national breast cancer screening programs to detect the disease at an early stage. (e.g., the UK’s NHS Breast Screening Program).

Patient Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Susan G. Komen play a vital role in advocating for patients and funding research.

Benefits of the UN Declaration’s Expansion

The inclusion of breast cancer in the UN declaration offers numerous benefits:

Increased Global Attention: Elevates breast cancer as a global health priority.

Enhanced Resource Allocation: Encourages increased investment in breast cancer prevention, treatment, and research.

* Improved Patient Outcomes: Leads to earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved quality