Assessing the African burden of breast cancer: A demographic analysis using Global Cancer Observatory 2022

Breast cancer is a major health issue for women in Africa. This study aims to assess the burden of the disease using the latest estimates from Global Cancer Observatory 2022.

Data were sourced from the Global Cancer Observatory 2022. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) and mortality rates (ASMR) per 100,000 person-years were calculated using direct age standardization based on the Segi-Doll World standard population. Pearson's correlation coefficient was employed to assess the relationship between the Human Development Index (HDI) and both incidence and mortality rates. Projections for breast cancer cases and deaths by 2050 were estimated based on global demographic forecasts.

In 2022, Africa reported an estimated 198.3 thousand new breast cancer cases and 91.3 thousand deaths. Nigeria reported the highest incidence (32,278) and deaths (16,332). Algeria had the highest ASIR (61.9/100,000) while Cameroon had the highest ASMR (27.4/100,000). ASMR increased with age, surged in individuals over 70 in Africa. Chad had the earliest ASIR peak age at 40-49 years (40.3/100,000) and earliest ASMR peak age at 50-59 years (24.1/100,000). A positive correlation was observed between HDI and incidence rates. Projections suggest that by 2050, Nigeria and Egypt will bear the highest disease burden, with Tanzania and Zambia experiencing nearly 200 % rise in incidence, while Guinea and Niger will see mortality rates surge by over 200 %.

Breast cancer mortality is higher in low socio-economic countries. Efforts should focus on low socio-economic countries, implementing rapid intervention measures to mitigate the growing cancer crisis.