Expert insights: new videos explore opportunities to reduce inequalities in care for metastatic breast cancer

Building on the publication of four policy briefs that provide actionable recommendations to make care for metastatic breast cancer more equitable, The Health Policy Partnership has developed a set of videos that further explore these recommendations and showcase insights from experts.

The videos, launched to mark World Cancer Day, examine how policymakers and health system decision-makers can:

• reduce inequalities in metastatic breast cancer care
• address structural and systemic barriers to care
• ensure access to appropriate care along the pathway
• improve patient experience, involvement and empowerment.

Worldwide, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, with metastatic breast cancer accounting for 90% of these deaths. While survival rates for breast cancer overall can be up to 99%, for people with metastatic disease they are only around 30%.

There is no cure for the vast majority of metastatic breast cancer cases, but current treatment options enable many people to live longer, fulfilling lives. However, in many countries, breast cancer policy focuses on earlier stages of the disease, neglecting the experience of people whose cancer is more advanced. As a consequence, many people with metastatic breast cancer are unable to access best-practice care, with health inequalities intensified among underserved populations.

We hope these videos, alongside the policy briefs, offer solid recommendations for policy action and amplify the voice of the metastatic breast cancer community to demand progress towards equitable care.

To find out more about this project, please visit the project page.