Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide, and its burden is continuing to grow. According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, an estimated 2.3 million women globally were diagnosed with breast cancer and 670,000 died from the disease. While advances in early detection and treatment have dramatically improved survival rates in many parts of the world, this progress is not shared equally.
The impact of breast cancer is significantly greater in low-and middle -income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Women in the region are often diagnosed at later stages of the disease, when treatment options are limited and survival rates drop sharply. Studies show that more than 70% of breast cancer cases in sub-Saharan Africa are diagnosed at advanced stages, compared with 20–30% in high-income countries (Jedy-Agba et al., 2017; Vanderpuye et al., 2017).
This disparity is fueled by multiple factors: lack of awareness, limited access to screening and diagnostic services, cultural stigma, a shortage of trained health workers and specialists, and fragile health infrastructure with inadequate diagnostic tools and treatment options. For many women, even if diagnosis is made, treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation are unavailable or unaffordable.
Late-stage diagnosis not only leads to higher mortality, but also, takes a profound toll on children, families, and societies. Women in their most productive years are often lost to a disease that could have been treated if caught earlier. A recent study estimated that closing the women’s health gap, including breast cancer, could add $1 trillion annually to the global economy by 2040.
The solution is clear. Breast cancer does not have to be a death sentence. We need to invest in early screening and diagnosis and make treatment much more accessible for all. Evidence shows that when breast cancer is detected at an early stage and treated promptly, the chances of survival can exceed 90%. Early diagnosis also reduces the cost of treatment, eases the burden on health systems, and lessens the emotional and financial strain on families. What does this mean in practice? It means:
Several companies are already stepping up to take on this challenge and demonstrating what impact is possible in sub-Saharan Africa when public-private partnerships and targeted interventions are made. To name a few:
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond, let’s push for early diagnosis, stronger health systems, more partnerships, and equitable access to care for all. We can close the breast cancer gap and give every woman, everywhere, a chance to survive and thrive.