12% of cancer-related deaths in Africa linked to breast cancer, experts warn

By The Inspirer.

Breast cancer accounts for 12% of all cancer-related deaths in Africa, with experts warning that late diagnosis and limited access to treatment continue to put thousands of women at risk. Despite being one of the easiest cancers to detect and treat, nearly 60%–70% of African women are diagnosed at an advanced stage, significantly reducing their chances of survival.

This alarming trend was a key focus during a global breast cancer conference held in Kigali on March 4, 2025, where specialists called for increased awareness, early screening, and investment in local healthcare systems to curb the rising mortality rates.

Karen Nakwala Chilowa, a breast cancer survivor from Zambia, urged women not to wait for reminders or symptoms before getting screened. She emphasized that early detection is crucial and encouraged women to take personal responsibility for their health.

“Women should not wait until they notice symptoms or until someone reminds them to go for screening. Prioritizing regular check-ups can save lives,” she said.

She also called on policymakers to invest more in women’s healthcare, noting that strong healthcare systems benefit families, economies, and entire nations.

“When governments invest in women’s health, the returns are immense—not just for individuals but for entire societies,” she added.

Global call for stronger collaboration

Soraya Mellali, Chair of the Global Breast Cancer Initiative, stressed that stronger international collaboration in breast cancer treatment and prevention is essential to reducing deaths.

“We believe that through partnerships and knowledge sharing, we can drive real change. Working together is no longer an option but the only way forward,” she stated.

She commended Rwanda’s government for its commitment to improving healthcare, particularly in advancing women’s health and implementing effective policies.

“Rwanda’s approach shows that success is built on strong policies and their proper execution,” Mellali added.

Rwanda’s efforts in breast cancer treatment

Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, highlighted that breast cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect, as women can perform self-examinations or receive assistance from healthcare providers.

“Additionally, if breast cancer is diagnosed early—at stage one or two—the chances of recovery are as high as 80%, whether through surgery or other treatment methods,” he explained.

He also pointed out that cancer treatment in Rwanda has become more accessible, as patients can now receive care through the national health insurance scheme.

“This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on low-income individuals seeking cancer treatment,” he said.

A growing health crisis

In Africa, breast cancer remains a significant public health challenge. Among the 198,553 women diagnosed with breast cancer annually, 77% seek treatment at a very late stage, while 17% do not receive any medical care.

Globally, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. In 2022 alone, over 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 666,000 lost their lives to the disease.

Experts at the conference emphasized that improving early detection, strengthening healthcare systems, and promoting public awareness campaigns are crucial steps in reducing breast cancer deaths in Africa.