Epidemiology of Breast Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Breast cancer has increasingly become a disease of high morbidity and mortality globally, and in the sub-Saharan African region in particular. Therefore, there is a need to review the current status of breast cancer in the region in the last decade. Though Africa has one of the lowest incidence rates, it has the highest mortality rate globally. There have been reported inter- and intra-country variations in breast cancer morbidity and mortality in the region, with East Africa having the largest incidence rate increase, while southern Africa experiences the lowest increase between 2008 and 2012. Histology remains the commonest modality of diagnosis in sub-Saharan Africa; with invasive ductal cancers being the commonest among patients. Novel genes have also been popular among certain populations, in the presence of the more popular BRACA genes. Adverse outcomes reported include physical and mental health outcomes, which have been linked to some health behaviours. There has been varying modalities of treatments across the region. Therefore, there is a need for better organized and improved screening/diagnostics service accessibility in resource-constrained settings in sub-Saharan Africa. There should also be increased awareness creation among African populations about the availability of treatment facilities and modalities in their communities.

Effect of educational intervention on the knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination among female students at a private university in Southern Nigeria

“…Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed and the second largest cause of cancer-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. According to Adewale [ 5 ], Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest age-standardised incidence rate globally, with 17.3 cases per 100,000 women annually. The regions of West Africa and Southern Africa, however, have the highest age-standardised incidence rates in sub-Saharan Africa, with 38.9 and 38.6, respectively, per 100,000 women annually [ 5 , 6 ].…”

Predictors of good contraception attitude and practice among female students of television studies in Nigeria: a secondary analysis

“…4,20 This might have also explained the higher number of unplanned pregnancies experienced by this study population. 20,23 This study shows that knowing that female sterilization is one way to prevent pregnancy is a prediction of good contraceptive attitude. Though studies on female sterilization are generally low; 37 it can be hypothesized that a high knowledge of female sterilization is correlated with a high level of knowledge of other contraceptive methods because knowledge about female sterilization is lower compared to other methods in many populations.…”

“…18 This may be due to improved reporting and access to some cancer screening services in the Southern Africa region in Sub-Saharan Africa. 23…”

“…4,20 This might have also explained the higher number of unplanned pregnancies experienced by this study population. 20,23…”

Comparative examination of breast cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa, 1990–2019: estimates from Global Burden of Disease 2019 study

“…Public policy must promote health advocacy and breast cancer awareness drives which are important in addressing misbeliefs in public and mitigation of the risk factors. Establishment of cost-effective screening infrastructure for early detection and treatment is essential 23 43. In addition, regulations should strengthen existing cancer control programmes to regularly assess their breast cancer burden and establish strategic priorities to reduce mortality and morbidity based on specific data on local prevalence.…”