Breast Cancer in Africa: Challenges and Insights

Survival rates for breast cancer vary greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, with the latter experiencing rates below 40%. A recent study found that the incidences of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa had increased by 247% from 1990 to 2019, with Nigeria recording the highest incidence. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, four essential reads highlight the difficulties women in Africa face in surviving this cancer, including delays in seeking medical help, stigma, and treatment challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• In sub-Saharan Africa, breast cancer survival rates are less than 40%, compared to 90% in high-income countries.
• The incidence of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa increased by 247% from 1990 to 2019, with Nigeria recording the highest incidence.
• People in low- and middle-income countries, such as Nigeria, often seek medical help at a late stage, reducing the chances of successful treatment.
• Black South African women are the least likely segment of the population to have breast cancer but the most likely to die from it.
• In low-income communities, detection is low, and treatment is often described as toxic and stressful.
• Nigerian women with breast cancer are stigmatized and often experience social isolation, loss of livelihood, and fear of seeking help.
• Adherence to treatment is a challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including access to transport, socioeconomic level, and social support.
• The majority of South Africa's population (80%) relies on the public health sector, which often lacks the specialists and resources to treat breast cancer.
• Services, such as chemotherapy, are only available in tertiary hospitals, which are located in urban centres.

Statistics:

• 650,000 lives are claimed by breast cancer every year worldwide.
• The incidence of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa increased by 247% from 1990 to 2019.
• The survival rate for breast cancer in low- and middle-income countries is below 40%.
• 80% of South Africa's population relies on the public health sector.
• In South Africa, services such as chemotherapy are only available in tertiary hospitals.

Sources:

• The Conversation Africa
• "Breast cancer: five tips from an expert on catching it early and keeping safe" by Olalekan Olasehinde
• "Demon disease, worse than HIV: Soweto women's views on breast cancer" by Emily Mendenhall
• "Surviving breast cancer: Nigerian women share their stories" by Candi Nwakasi
• "Breast cancer patients in South Africa may find it hard to stick to treatment: here's what they told us" by Jenny Edge
• "Breast cancer patients in South Africa are battling to maintain treatment because of high transport costs" by Jenny Edge
• "Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world. 5 reads that could save lives"