Why is Breast Cancer Important in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer among women in Sub-Saharan Africa, having overtaken cervical cancer. About 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime, but black women are at increased risk of dying from the breast cancer due to more aggressive nature of the cancer. Many women are diagnosed at a late stage, usually due to late presentation, making treatment more difficult and reducing the chances of long term survival.

Late diagnosis is often due to:

• Lack of awareness
• Limited access to health services
• Fear, stigma, and myths about cancer
• Preference for traditional healers

 

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

You should seek medical attention if you notice:

• A lump in the breast or underarm/ armpit
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast
• Changes on the nipple
• Nipple discharge (especially if it's bloody)
• Skin changes on the breast (orange peel skin, dimpling, redness, scaling)
• Pain in the breast that doesn’t go away

Note: Not all breast lumps are cancerous, but it’s important to get them checked by a healthcare provider.

 

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can get breast cancer, but your risk is higher if:

• You are a woman
• You are over 40 years old
• You have a family history of breast cancer
• You have never given birth, or had your first child after age 30
• You are overweight or obese
• You consume alcohol regularly
• You have used hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (used to treat menopausal symptoms)

 

Prevention and Early Detection

There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, but these steps can reduce your risk:

• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Be physically active
• Breastfeed your babies if possible.

Early detection saves lives. Here's what you can do:

• Do monthly breast self-examinations
• Get a clinical breast exam from a healthcare provider once a year
• If available, get regular screening (like mammograms and breast scan) after age 40

 

How is Breast Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. Options include:

• Surgery: Removing the tumor or the entire breast.
• Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Radiotherapy: Using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
• Hormonal therapy: For cancers that respond to hormones

Access to treatment can be limited in rural areas. If you're diagnosed, seek care at a hospital with cancer services or ask your local health center for a referral.

 

Coping with a Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with cancer is difficult, but you are not alone. You can:

• Talk to trusted family or community members
• Join a support group (many are now available through NGOs or hospitals)
• Get information from your doctor about the disease and treatment options

 

Myths and Facts

Myth	Fact
Breast cancer is caused by curses or evil spirits	Breast cancer is a medical condition, not caused by witchcraft
Only older women get breast cancer	It can affect younger women and even men
If there’s no pain, it’s not cancer	Early cancer is often painless
Surgery makes cancer spread faster	Surgery is a key treatment and does not spread cancer

 

Where to Get Help

If you notice any symptoms, go to:

• Your local clinic or hospital
• Community health outreach programs
• Organizations like Cancer Associations in your country (e.g., Nigeria Cancer Society, Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organisation).