##  [Breast Cancer](/diseases/breast-cancer "Breast Cancer") 

 ## Reimagining medicine to transform treatment in HR+/HER2- breast cancer

Novartis aims to tackle breast cancer with bold science, collaboration, and a passion for transforming patient care. We take a bold approach to our research by including patient populations who are often neglected in clinical trials, identifying new pathways or mutations that may play a role in disease progression, and developing therapies to help extend and improve the lives of patients.

 ![Doctors discussing ultrasound investigation](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2022-12/doctors-discussing-ultrasound-investigation.jpg.webp?itok=dda88RZg "Doctors discussing ultrasound investigation")

 

A diagnosis of advanced or metastatic breast cancer is devastating for patients, their families, and loved ones. Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, and a leading cause of cancer death in underdeveloped countries.1 Our priority over the past 35 years, and looking forward, is to deliver treatments to those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and to advance ongoing research into treatment options for those with early breast cancer.

More than 90% of patients diagnosed with breast cancer have early breast cancer.2 The majority of patients diagnosed with breast cancer are treated early and despite curative intent from initial treatment, the risk of disease recurrence persists, with the highest rate of recurrence noted within the first 2 to 3 years after diagnosis.2,3 Novartis is continuing to reimagine cancer care by advancing research for the broadest population of patients with early breast cancer with high unmet needs for those at risk of recurrence.

## Promoting health equity in breast cancer care with the *More Than Just Words* Initiative

Novartis has a long history of pioneering breast cancer research, and we remain committed to our guiding purpose of reimagining medicine, which goes beyond developing therapeutics to helping close historical gaps in treatment and care for underserved communities. The *More Than Just Words* initiative is a multiyear commitment to promote health equity in breast cancer care, an area in which there is significant unmet need. The mortality rate in Black women with breast cancer is approximately 40% higher than white women in the United States.4 By raising awareness and offering accessible health solutions, *More Than Just Words* aims to empower Black women to become advocates for equitable breast health.

  
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The initiative supports programs that raise awareness of existing disparities across the continuum of breast cancer care, stress the urgency that women receive the screening or care they need as soon as possible, and build solutions to promote health equity in breast cancer care.



 



##  Breast cancer stories 

 [ 

 ![Mother and her daughter](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_1_3/public/2022-05/mother-and-her-daughter.jpg.webp?itok=NSRQ0-z5 "Mother and her daughter") 

 

###  Addressing racial disparities in breast cancer screening 

Novartis today announced the launch of More Than Just Words, a multiyear commitment to promote health equity in breast cancer.

 

 

 ](https://www.novartis.com/us-en/news/media-releases/novartis-commits-addressing-racial-disparities-breast-cancer-screening-treatment-and-care) [ 

 ![Portrait of Leanne Pero](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_1_3/public/2022-10/leanne-pero-portrait.jpg.webp?itok=f_xYlier "Portrait of Leanne Pero") 

 

###  Let’s Talk About the C Word 

Leanne Pero discusses her experiences of life before, during and after breast cancer, and how it inspired her to advocate for herself and others like her.

 

 

 ](/stories/lets-talk-about-c-word-navigating-cancer-diagnosis-and-life-beyond-it-leanne-pero) [ 

 ![Doctor with senior woman in an office](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cards_1_3/public/2022-12/doctor-with-senior-woman-patient-in-office.jpg.webp?itok=hToS4vp4 "Doctor with senior woman in an office") 

 

###  Novartis announces funding for patient advocacy initiatives to support and empower the metastatic breast cancer community 

Novartis today announced support for 3 US-based patient advocacy groups provided through the STEP (Solutions to Empower Patients)TM Program.

 

 

 ](https://www.novartis.com/us-en/news/media-releases/novartis-announces-funding-patient-advocacy-initiatives-support-and-empower-metastatic-breast-cancer-community) 





 

 

 



 

 

 

 

References:

1. Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, et al. *CA Cancer J Clin*. 2021;71:209-249.
2. Iqbal J, Ginsburg O, Rochon PA, Sun P, Narod SA. *JAMA*. 2015;313(2):165-173.
3. Pan H, Gray R, Braybrooke J, et al. *N Engl J Med*. 2017;377(19):1836-1846.
4. Richardson LC, Henley SJ, Miller JW, Massetti G, Thomas CC. Patterns and trends in age-specific black-white differences in breast cancer incidence and mortality – United States, 1999–2014. *MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep*. 2016;65:1093-1098 doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6540a1