Urgent Breast Cancer Crisis in Africa: WHO Calls for Better Screening & Treatment

Breast cancer remains a pressing health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, with nearly half of those diagnosed succumbing to the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about the urgent need for improvements in early detection, treatment accessibility, and overall healthcare infrastructure to combat the rising mortality rates.

The Global Impact of U.S. Withdrawal from WHO

In recent years, global health efforts have been significantly affected by geopolitical shifts, including the U.S. decision to withdraw from WHO. The consequences of this withdrawal are still unfolding, but one clear implication is the reduced financial support for WHO-led health programs worldwide. In 2022-2023 alone, the U.S. contributed over $1 billion to WHO initiatives. This funding cut poses a severe threat to health programs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including those struggling with breast cancer care in Africa.

For sub-Saharan Africa, where healthcare systems are already under immense strain, reduced international funding could exacerbate existing challenges, leading to higher mortality rates and less access to life-saving treatments.

The State of Breast Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa

According to WHO data, there were 2.3 million new breast cancer cases globally in 2022, with over 666,000 resulting in death. Although sub-Saharan Africa accounts for only 6.4% of these cases, the region experiences disproportionately high mortality rates. Alarmingly, about 11% of all breast cancer-related deaths worldwide occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the dire need for improved healthcare interventions.

Despite having a lower overall incidence of breast cancer compared to regions like North America and Europe, women in sub-Saharan Africa face significantly higher fatality rates. Contributing factors include late-stage diagnoses, limited access to specialized care, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. Without significant investment in screening and treatment, breast cancer deaths in the region could double by 2040.

WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative and Strategic Goals

Recognizing the escalating crisis, WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative in 2021, aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality by 2.5% annually through 2040. If successful, this initiative could prevent approximately 2.5 million deaths. The strategy focuses on three main pillars:

1. Public Awareness and Early Detection: Educating communities about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and lifestyle changes to minimize risk.
2. Healthcare Workforce Training: Strengthening healthcare systems by training professionals to identify and refer cases promptly for appropriate treatment.
3. Centralized Screening and Treatment: Establishing well-equipped, centralized care facilities to enhance early diagnosis and provide standardized treatment.

Gaps in Screening and Treatment: A Regional Overview

A WHO study assessing breast cancer management in 42 sub-Saharan African countries revealed widespread deficiencies in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Findings indicated that Eastern and Southern Africa, including countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zambia, had relatively stronger healthcare frameworks for breast cancer management compared to other regions.

However, serious gaps remain:

• Only five countries, including Algeria, Chad, and Kenya, have organized breast cancer screening programs.
• Pathology services, crucial for accurate diagnosis, are scarce. Only Cabo Verde and Seychelles met the recommended standard of one pathology lab per 100,000 people.
• Chemotherapy is available in most countries, but access to radiation therapy is significantly lower, with only 60% of surveyed nations having the necessary equipment.
• Less than half of the countries have dedicated cancer centers.
• Many nations lack standardized national treatment guidelines, leading to inconsistent care.

The Urgent Need for National Cancer Control Plans

To bridge these gaps, WHO has emphasized the necessity of National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs)—comprehensive frameworks established and funded at the national level to guide cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care. Currently, fewer than half of the surveyed countries, including Algeria, Ethiopia, and Mozambique, have implemented such plans.

Since 2012, the International Cancer Control Partnership (ICCP), comprising WHO, the U.S. National Cancer Institute, and 23 other organizations, has been instrumental in assisting countries in developing these plans. Their efforts have led to a threefold increase in the number of nations with structured cancer control strategies. However, sustained political commitment and international cooperation are crucial to expanding these efforts and ensuring widespread, equitable access to breast cancer care.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

The WHO report underscores the urgent need for governments and global health organizations to prioritize investment in breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, increasing public awareness, and ensuring equitable access to care are vital steps in reversing the high mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa.

To prevent millions of avoidable deaths, decisive action must be taken to implement NCCPs, improve early detection initiatives, and expand access to life-saving treatments. The fight against breast cancer in Africa cannot wait—every delay costs lives.