Background:Theglobal BC Care and Outcomes Report revealed ample differences in BC care and outcomes exist across continents, exposing the need for regionally focused studies. Aim: Provide an overview of the burden of BC and of BC care and outcomes in LAC and identify the major challenges Methods: Review of literature (PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO), public databases (Globocan 2002 and 2008, CEPALSTAT, DIRAC, PAHO, WHOSYS, etc) and conference presentations (ASCO, ISPOR). Local experts and patient organizations were surveyed. Current BC epidemiology in LAC, countries’ risk profiles and future trends, disease burden and available resources, patterns of care and treatment access (case studies), and outcomes (such as mortality-to-incidence ratios - MIRs) were analyzed and compared (Sweden as benchmark). Results: BC exhibits the highest annual incidence (114,900 cases) and mortality (37,000 deaths) of all cancers in LAC and is expected to double by 2030. Age is the main risk factor. Heavy burden is due to younger age at diagnosis. Poor outcomes are partly due to late diagnosis. Availability of specialized surgeons, waiting times, node clearance policy and access to breast reconstruction vary widely across countries and between public and private settings. Radiotherapy equipment is insufficient, except in Uruguay, Chile, and Venezuela. All modern systemic therapies are available, but some not widely diffused due to their costs. Palliative care is developing but, despite great efforts, problems persist. BC MIRs have improved, albeit unevenly, over time. Conclusions: Inequalities in access to diagnosis and treatment, fragmented organization and management of BC care and poor uptake of evidence-based best practices result in high morbidity and associated societal costs.