UNDERSTANDING THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF PREMENOPAUSAL BREAST CANCER IN AFRICA: GENETIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND HEALTHCARE FACTORS Clemsogar20@gmail.com

 

UNDERSTANDING THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF PREMENOPAUSAL BREAST CANCER IN AFRICA: GENETIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND HEALTHCARE FACTORS

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Nigeria

Oral or Poster

Premenopausal breast cancer poses a major public health challenge in Africa, marked by high incidence and mortality. Contributing factors include genetic risks, environmental exposures, and weak healthcare systems. Despite global progress, African women often face late diagnoses and poor outcomes. This review explores these challenges and outlines strategies to enhance early detection and patient care.

This narrative review involved a thorough literature search across PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using specific keywords, Boolean logic, and filters. English-language studies from 1956 to 2025 addressing genetic, environmental, and healthcare disparities in breast cancer among African women were included. After screening and deduplication, 77 relevant articles were analyzed for common themes.

Findings revealed that BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations and African-specific genetic variants increase breast cancer risk. Environmental factors, such as poor diet, obesity, and chemical exposure, also contribute. Weak healthcare systems, limited screening, and late diagnoses lead to poor outcomes, with under 20% of cases detected early. Financial and cultural barriers affect treatment adherence, while a lack of awareness programs and affordable diagnostics further hinders early detection, resulting in high mortality among African women with premenopausal breast cancer.

Tackling the high rates of premenopausal breast cancer in Africa demands a multifaceted strategy. Key actions include broadening genetic screening, launching culturally sensitive awareness efforts, and strengthening healthcare systems for early detection and treatment. Policymakers must fund oncology services and incorporate routine breast cancer screening. Promoting international research partnerships and expanding affordable, community-based interventions will further improve access to essential care and prevention.