Breast Cancer Cases in Africa to Double by 2045: Urgent Call for Awareness and Early Detection
May 19, 2025
Cultural beliefs often lead many women to ignore symptoms or seek traditional healing, delaying diagnosis and increasing risks associated with late-stage cancer.
Factors contributing to the rise in breast cancer cases include lack of awareness, limited healthcare access, late diagnoses, and financial barriers.
Dr. El-Ghazaly emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle to prevent cancer, advocating for regular screenings to facilitate early detection and effective treatment.
Egypt's advancements in precision medicine have resulted in a 77% complete pathological response rate during surgery, showcasing the effectiveness of tailored treatments.
Egypt is advancing in precision medicine, allowing for tailored treatments based on genetic profiles, which has enabled alternatives to chemotherapy in about 35% of early-stage cases.
Breast cancer is projected to double in Africa by 2045, becoming a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, according to Dr. Hesham El-Ghazaly.
Currently, only 50% of women in Africa survive five years post-diagnosis, compared to 90% in high-income countries, with 77% of cases diagnosed too late.
The World Health Organization estimates that breast cancer cases in Africa will rise to 400,000 by 2045, driven by factors such as longer life expectancy and lifestyle changes like obesity and lack of exercise.
Egypt's Presidential Initiative on Women’s Health has significantly improved early detection by screening 34 million women over four years, effectively reducing late-stage diagnoses.
Immunotherapy has been integrated into Egypt's national treatment guidelines and is accessible under the Universal Health Insurance system, supported by local manufacturing initiatives.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, is crucial for cancer prevention, alongside establishing regular screening systems for early detection.
The Africa Breast Cancer Council, launched in October 2024, aims to advocate for systemic changes in breast cancer care across the continent to improve survival rates.
Summary based on 3 sources