Taking on breast cancer in East Africa: global challenges in breast cancer

Abstract

Purpose of review: To provide an update on breast cancer epidemiology, early detection, and therapy in Africa.

Recent findings: Breast cancer has been a long neglected topic in Africa. Due to increased activities of population-based cancer registries, cancer incidence rates become available. Data from 26 African countries for 2012 suggest that in the majority of countries, breast cancer has turned into the leading cancer among the female population. Yet data from hospital-based registries show that patients often present late. Efforts are being made to implement early detection programs; however, there are open questions how best to organize screening activities, referral and how to assure pathology service. Adjuvant treatment is still limited to a small number of centers; neoadjuvant treatment is underutilized. New data have become available from different countries reporting high proportions of estrogen receptor-positive tumors, which would possibly justify the administration of tamoxifen in unknown receptor status.

Summary: Breast cancer is an increasing health problem in low-resource countries. More information on incidence, clinical presentation, outcome, and tumor biology in Africa has become available. Further evidence is needed on strategies to improve awareness, appropriate treatment options, and implementation of palliative care.

Video abstract: http://links.lww.com/COOG/A17