OBJECTIVES: Provide an overview of the burden of BC and of BC care and outcomes in LAC. METHODS: Review of literature (PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO), public databases (Globocan 2002 & 2008, CEPALSTAT, DIRAC, PAHO, WHOSYS, etc) and conference presentations (ASCO, ISPOR). Latin-American experts and patient organizations were surveyed. RESULTS: 114,900 women present with and 37,000 die of BC annually in LAC. BC exhibits the highest incidence and mortality of all cancers, is steadily increasing and is expected to double by 2030. Age is the principal risk factor. High incidence in Argentina and Uruguay (ASR 74-91/100,000) and younger age at diagnosis and death (mean 57y) in Peru, Mexico, Colombia and Brazil translate into a heavy burden. LAC’s low 5-year survival (~70-75%) is partly because ~30-40% patients are diagnosed in metastatic phases III and IV. However, BC mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIR) improvements are noticeable when comparing MIR2002 vs. MIR2008. Best MIRs are registered in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. Costa Rica shows the most progress; Brazil, Mexico and Panama have not improved significantly. Suboptimal prevention policies; vast inequalities in access to diagnosis and treatment, a fragmented organisation and management of BC care, and poor uptake of evidence-based best practices were observed. Universal healthcare coverage is not the rule in LAC and, even in those countries where access to BC health services is guaranteed by law; resources are insufficient. Availability of BC-specialized surgeons, waiting times, node clearance policy and access to breast reconstruction vary greatly across countries and between public and private settings. Radiotherapy equipment is insufficient (except Uruguay, Chile, Venezuela). All modern systemic therapies are available but some not widely diffused for cost considerations. Palliative care is developing but, despite great efforts, many problems persist. CONCLUSIONS: Women go undiagnosed, uncared for or treated with suboptimal therapies; which results in high morbidity and associated societal costs.