In-depth Problem Analysis

Problem Overview

Breast cancer has a 90% survival rate when diagnosed in early stages, but it remains the leading cause of cancer death in women due to late detection.


  • Access barriers include high costs, the need for infrastructure and specialized personnel, and the pain associated with tests.
  • Less than 5% of women in Colombia undergo regular preventive exams.

To address this, Salva Health designed a portable device that removes these access barriers, making it possible to offer women a test that can be performed anywhere.

Global Health Challenge

Breast cancer represents a global challenge, especially in Latin America, where survival rates are lower due to late diagnoses.


  • The five-year survival rate is 70% in Latin America, compared to 80% in the European Union.
  • Early detection can increase five-year survival to 99%.

High Mortality in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

LMICs have the highest mortality rates due to the lack of early detection and advanced diagnoses.


  • In 2020, an estimated 70% of breast cancer deaths occurred in LMICs.
  • The lack of early detection programs and inadequate facilities are critical factors.

Disparities in Survival Rates

Survival rates vary considerably worldwide, with low-income countries having much lower figures.


  • Five-year survival rates in LMICs such as Brazil (58.4%), India (52%), Algeria (38.8%), and Gambia (12%) are significantly low.
  • In the United States (83.9%), Sweden (82.0%), Japan (81.6%), and Australia (80.7%).

Challenges in Breast Cancer Detection in Latin America

Between 30% and 40% of breast cancer cases in Latin America are diagnosed in advanced stages (III and IV), highlighting the urgent need to improve early detection methods.


  • Late-stage diagnosis rates reach up to 50% in countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Peru.
  • The WHO recommends that 70% of the target population undergo mammograms, but no Latin American country reaches this threshold.
  • Mexico, for example, has only 22% mammogram coverage, compounded by the fact that 20% of the existing equipment needs repairs.

Barriers to Accessing Breast Cancer Detection

Barriers to early detection access include a lack of facilities, high costs, and misunderstandings about the tests.


  • Only 22% of the target population in Mexico has access to mammograms, while the WHO recommendation is 70%.
  • Up to 20% of mammography equipment in Latin America needs repairs.