Breast cancer remains leading cause of death among women – study identifies

Across Africa, breast cancer is the most diagnosed diseases among women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates, published in 2026, Africa recorded approximately 225,643 new breast cancer cases and an estimated 100,070 deaths in 2024.

These figures underscore the importance of raising awareness, recognising symptoms early, and improving access to timely diagnosis and treatment, the median age of diagnosis among African women with breast cancer varies across countries and populations.

A 2025 study of women diagnosed with breast cancer across five sub-Saharan African countries found that 21.9 per cent of participants were diagnosed before age 40, according to researchers from St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies, in a release shared with Ghana News Agency.

The World Health Organisation recommends early diagnosis and timely evaluation of women with breast cancer symptoms, while screening recommendations should consider individual risk and available resources.

Dr Tonia Frame, Assistant Professor and Director of the Global Health Unit in the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies, said, “Breast cancer risk does not suddenly begin at a particular birthday, and two women of the same age may have very different risk profiles.”

Women must become familiar with the usual appearance and feel of their breasts and to seek prompt clinical evaluation for unexplained breast changes.

In Africa, where breast cancer often presents at a comparatively younger age, and access to high-quality imaging is uneven, discussions about early detection should extend beyond age, family history, and inherited susceptibility.

“Previous breast findings and other recognised risk factors could help determine whether a woman may benefit from earlier assessment, specialist referral or additional imaging.”

Dr Frame said records of previous breast findings or a typical biopsy result or a suspicious imaging finding may change the recommended screening frequency or method, and women with such findings should follow an individualised plan for full treatment.