Breast cancer among women in sub-Saharan Africa: prevalence and a situational analysis

Authors

  • Samuel Nambile Cumber University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Kenneth Nkeh Nchanji St Louis University
  • Joyce Mahlako Tsoka-Gwegweni University of KwaZulu-Natal

Keywords:

Africa, Breast Cancer, Prevalence, Women

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women worldwide. The incidence of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been rising and yet many cases remain undetected. Studies reveal that the prevalence of breast cancer in most SSA countries does not give the true picture as many of these countries lack national cancer registries. A number of risk factors such as alcoholism, age and hormones predispose women to breast cancer and several challenges are currently faced in detecting and managing breast cancer in SSA, especially in the domain of medical imaging technology and finances. The purpose of this review is to document the prevalence of breast cancer among women in SSA. (Full text available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojgo) South Afr J Gynaecol Oncol 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20742835.2017.139146

Author Biographies

  • Samuel Nambile Cumber, University of KwaZulu-Natal
    Discipline of Public Health Medicine Department of Nursing & Public Health College of Health Sciences University of KwaZulu-Natal Durban
  • Kenneth Nkeh Nchanji, St Louis University
    Institute of Health and Biomedical Science St Louis University Bamenda
  • Joyce Mahlako Tsoka-Gwegweni, University of KwaZulu-Natal
    Discipline of Public Health Medicine Department of Nursing & Public Health College of Health Sciences University of KwaZulu-Natal Durban

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Published

2017-12-04

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2017)

Section

Breast Cancer Corner

License

South African Journal of Gynaecological Oncology (SAJGO) Copyright is held by South African Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (SASGO). Copyright of the articles is held by the authors. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial Works 4.0 South Africa License (CC BY NC). Material submitted for publication in the SAJGO is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. The SAJGO does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do no purport to reflect the opinions or views of SASGO or its members.