Mexico Launches MX$8 Billion Program for Breast Cancer Care

The federal government presented the Universal Care Model for Breast Cancer, a national strategy designed to ensure timely detection and continuous treatment of the disease for women across Mexico, regardless of their health insurance status. The initial investment for the program is MX$8 billion (US$434 million).

During a morning press conference, Health Minister David Kershenobich noted that breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in Mexico, with an average of one fatality every hour. The plan focuses on five key areas: educational campaigns, early detection, expanded medical infrastructure, comprehensive diagnosis, and treatment continuity.

The target population is 25.5 million women over 40, highlighting the national priority of the initiative. Key risk factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

The model includes an intensive campaign for breast self-examination starting at age 20 and mandates mammograms every two years for women over 40. Diagnostic procedures must be completed within 30 days of suspicion, and treatment must begin within 21 days, in line with World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

Currently, the public health system has 656 mammography units across 640 hospitals. The plan aims to add 1,000 new mammographs and 1,000 ultrasound machines, enabling an estimated 8.9 million mammograms annually.

Additionally, the strategy includes the creation of 20 reference diagnostic centers with specialized X-ray and imaging personnel, as well as staff trained in biopsy interpretation. 32 new oncological hospital units, including one dedicated to women in each state, will also be constructed.

President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that the program aims to eliminate long waiting times, which can currently extend up to seven or eight months between detection and treatment. “We want no woman to lose her life due to a late diagnosis. Breast cancer detected early is completely curable,” she said.

The model will be universal and free, with an estimated implementation period of 18 months to two years, and is expected to significantly reduce breast cancer deaths by 2027. Funding will be provided jointly by IMSS, ISSSTE, and the Government of Mexico. Sheinbaum also announced that the first specialized oncological center for women will open in Mexico City in December as part of the national network, describing the program as a move that “completely changes the history of breast cancer care in Mexico.”