Lebanon breast cancer rates rise as diagnoses increase in women under 50

Breast cancer cases in Lebanon are rising at a concerning rate, with a significant shift in the age of diagnosis. According to the 2024 update from the National Cancer Registry, annual breast cancer cases among women rose from 2,528 in 2014 to 3,754 in 2024, representing a 67.3% increase.

Dr. Zainab Assaf, head of the Health Education and Guidance Department at the Ministry of Public Health, noted that half of the diagnosed cases involve women under the age of 50. The current incidence rate in Lebanon is approximately 101 cases per 100,000 women, which significantly exceeds the global age-standardized rate of 47.8 per 100,000 reported by the World Health Organization.

Experts attribute this rise to various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental pollution of air, water, and soil. Other cited concerns include smoking and the impact of munitions used in recent conflicts. Despite these trends, increased awareness and expanded early detection programs have helped identify more cases at treatable stages.