A new Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study published by The Lancet shows African nations are topping the world in rising breast cancer cases. Equatorial Guinea leads with a shocking 312% increase in new cases between 1990 and 2023, followed by Ethiopia (207%), Egypt (189%), DR Congo (160%), and Mauritania (141%).
Nigeria is also heavily affected, recording 53,500 new cases in 2023, a 543% increase since 1990, with 26,200 deaths, up 408% over the same period. The age-standardised incidence and death rates in Nigeria also surged, reflecting the urgent need for prevention, early detection, and better treatment.
Globally, breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women, with 2.3 million new cases in 2023 and deaths expected to rise 44% by 2050, mostly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Cases among younger women (20–54) are also on the rise, highlighting changing risk patterns.
The study links 28% of breast cancer cases to modifiable risk factors like smoking, high blood sugar, obesity, high red meat intake, alcohol, and low physical activity. Experts stress that healthy lifestyles, early diagnosis, and accessible treatment are key to reducing the burden.
Dr. Lisa Force, lead author, calls for strong health systems, affordable therapies, and universal coverage to protect patients from catastrophic costs and improve survival rates worldwide.
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