Urgent Call for Enhanced Breast Cancer Africa Control Measures

By Crystal Lubbe

February 19, 2025

The article from the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, titled “Urgent action needed to reinforce breast cancer control measures in Africa: WHO report,” highlights critical issues and recommendations regarding breast cancer in Africa. This report brings attention to the urgent need for improved control measures to combat the rising burden of the disease across the continent.

Breast Cancer Burden

The report estimates that if current trends continue, approximately 135,000 women in sub-Saharan Africa could lose their lives to breast cancer by 2040. The WHO study assessed breast cancer control capacities in 42 out of the 47 countries in the African region. It focused on six vital areas: leadership, governance and financing, health workforce, health information systems, and service delivery. Africa faces significant gaps and disparities in breast cancer control, with critical challenges affecting prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. A severe shortage of healthcare workers limits essential services, while access to specialised cancer centers remains inadequate. Only 5 out of 47 countries have organised breast cancer screening programs, forcing most to rely on opportunistic screening. Pathology services are also insufficient, with only two countries meeting the standard of one laboratory per 100,000 people. These gaps hinder early detection and effective treatment, contributing to high mortality rates.

Drivers of Breast Cancer-Related Deaths

Late diagnoses and poor prevention efforts drive high breast cancer mortality. In 2022, Africa recorded 38 new cases and 19 deaths per 100,000 women. The report calls for urgent investments in leadership, governance, and financing to improve breast cancer care. Countries must develop and fund National Cancer Control Plans for coordinated action. Expanding oncology training is crucial to address the severe shortage of cancer professionals. Organised screening and early diagnosis programs must be accessible to all women, as early detection greatly improves survival rates. A multi-faceted approach is essential to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, train more professionals, and ensure equitable access to life-saving services.

Reference url

Recent Posts

oral GLP-1 medication
    

Market Leadership in Sight as Eli Lilly’s Oral GLP-1 Medication Orforglipron Succeeds in Phase 3

🌟 Ready for a breakthrough in diabetes management?

Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1 medication, orforglipron, has completed a successful Phase 3 trial, showing remarkable efficacy in lowering A1C levels and promoting substantial weight loss. As the first oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, it offers a promising alternative to conventional injectable treatments, potentially improving patient adherence and access.

Dive into the details of this exciting development and what it means for the future of diabetes care!

#SyenzaNews #HealthTech #Innovation #Pharmaceuticals

pediatric thyroid cancer risk
    

Environmental Exposures and Pediatric Thyroid Cancer Risk: Key Findings from a California Study

🌟 Are we overlooking environmental risks in pediatric cancer?

Recent research highlights a troubling link between perinatal exposure to PM2.5 and outdoor artificial light and the increased risk of pediatric thyroid cancer. This pivotal study sheds light on how environmental factors play a critical role in childhood health, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Dive into this important discussion on how addressing these environmental exposures may reduce pediatric thyroid cancer and improve health outcomes for future generations.

#SyenzaNews #EnvironmentalHealth #HealthPolicy #Innovation

capivasertib cost-effectiveness
      

Capivasertib Cost-Effectiveness in Advanced Breast Cancer

💡What’s the strategy to bring capivasertib’s price within reach of breast cancer patients?

A recent study evaluates capivasertib, an AKT inhibitor, as a second-line treatment for advanced breast cancer, revealing that its costs significantly outweigh the added health benefits. The analysis indicates that to be cost-effective, a substantial reduction in its price is necessary.

Delve into the economic implications of this treatment and the pressing need for pricing reforms in healthcare.

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #costeffectiveness #oncology

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.