A new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that global breast cancer cases are expected to rise by 38% by 2050, with deaths projected to increase by 68%. The report, published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Nature Medicine on Monday, highlights the disproportionate impact on low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, where access to early detection, treatment, and care remains limited.
According to the findings, Africa is among the regions with the highest breast cancer mortality rates, especially in Western Africa, Melanesia, and Polynesia. The report underscores a stark contrast in survival rates—83% of diagnosed women survive in high-income countries, while more than half of women diagnosed in low-income nations, including many in Africa, die from the disease.
In 2022 alone, breast cancer accounted for an estimated 2.3 million new cases and 670,000 deaths worldwide, with Africa bearing a significant burden due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure, late diagnoses, and limited treatment options.
Dr. Joanne Kim, an IARC scientist and co-author of the report, stressed the urgency of action:
“Every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide, and one woman dies from the disease. These statistics are worsening, especially in regions with weak healthcare systems.”
To address the crisis, WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative in 2021, aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality rates by 2.5% annually, which could prevent 2.5 million deaths by 2040. The initiative focuses on early detection, timely diagnosis, and improved access to quality treatment.
Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of IARC’s Cancer Surveillance Branch, called for better cancer data collection and investment in healthcare systems, particularly in lower-income regions like Africa.
“Continued progress in early diagnosis and improved access to treatment are essential to bridging the global gap in breast cancer care,” she said.
The report urges African governments and global health partners to strengthen health systems, increase funding for breast cancer screening and treatment, and adopt cost-effective prevention strategies. Without urgent intervention, breast cancer cases and deaths in Africa will continue to rise, worsening existing health disparities.