Breast cancer in sub-Saharan African women
Anim, J.T.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences 22(1): 5-10
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0309-3913 PMID: 7839882 Document Number: 418979
Although epidemiologic studies of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa are not available, the disease is considered the second most prevalent cancer among Black women in the region (exceeded only by cervical cancer). In Africa, as in the rest of the world, infiltrating duct carcinoma is the most common histologic type. Observed has been a trend toward relatively young age at diagnosis and presentation at late stages of disease progression. Early age at first birth and breast feeding--associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in white women--do not appear to exert a protective effect among African women. Contributing to the late presentation of breast cancer cases is the lack of educational programs on breast self-examination and screening technologies such as mammography. Also unavailable are standard methods of treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone receptor assay. The prognosis for women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa is quite poor due to the advanced stage of most cases, poor patient compliance, the lack of treatment options, poor drug supplies, inadequate transportation, and a shortage of trained personnel.