Breast Cancer in Nepal: Current status and future directions (Review)

Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy among Nepalese women. Breast cancer places a substantial burden on the Nepalese healthcare system, but information regarding the number of women living with breast cancer is not well recorded. In countries with lower levels of resources such as Nepal, breast cancers are commonly diagnosed at late stages and women may receive inadequate treatment, pain relief or palliative care. Socioeconomic disparities and insufficient financial resources hinder prevention of breast cancer in Nepal. The current review provides an overview of the burden of breast cancer, of risk factors associated with breast cancer, and of screening and treatment modalities for breast cancer in Nepal. Additionally, this review highlights the current awareness of breast cancer among Nepalese women and prevention strategies for breast cancer.