Asia-Pacific breast cancer rates are increasing rapidly, with global distribution of new cases shifting towards the region.

Almost one in four female breast cancer diagnoses are in the Asia-Pacific region, while the global number of new cases is projected to rise by 70% over the next two decades, Senior Medical Consultant Himanshu Bhatia writes in a blog post for Gen Re.

Increases in screening uptake and more advanced technology will improve early diagnosis of breast cancer and carcinoma in situ, he says.

“This will be reflected in both underwriting and claims for critical illness and cancer products, and have a significant impact on product development, pricing, underwriting and claims, particularly around these products in Asia.”

Improvements in breast cancer treatment over recent decades are forecast to continue.

“Tailored therapies for individual patients through molecular profiling and targeted therapies could improve breast cancer survival rates in Asia in the future.”

The largest proportion of new cases is in China, followed by Japan and Indonesia.

The rising trend in Asia is attributed to longer lifespans, a decline in breastfeeding and its duration, girls having their first periods at a younger age, increased fat consumption and more westernised lifestyles and diets.