LAGOS, Nigeria / AfricaWire.IO / – St. George’s University has emphasized the importance of adopting risk-based breast cancer screening methods throughout Africa following a study indicating that 21.9% of women diagnosed with the disease in five sub-Saharan African nations were under 40 years old. The university recommended that healthcare providers consider individual risk factors alongside age when determining screening needs. It cautioned that relying solely on age could hinder early detection efforts, especially in underserved communities.
This appeal was made during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, underscoring the necessity for expanded access to breast examinations, diagnostic imaging, and specialist healthcare. According to estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer‘s GLOBOCAN 2024 data, published in 2026, Africa recorded approximately 225,643 new breast cancer cases and 100,070 deaths in 2024. Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women on the continent and the primary cause of cancer-related mortality among them.
Dr. Tonia Frame, Assistant Professor and Director of the Global Health Unit at SGU’s Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine in Grenada, highlighted that risk factors differ significantly among individuals. She explained, “Breast cancer risk does not suddenly begin at a particular birthday, and two women of the same age may have very different risk profiles.” Frame encouraged women to become familiar with their normal breast appearance and sensation and to seek prompt medical evaluations if they notice unexplained changes.
Genetic and family history influence screening protocols
According to Frame, breast cancer in Africa tends to present at a younger age, and access to high-quality imaging remains inconsistent. The university identified several factors that could influence personalized screening, including family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited genetic mutations, breast density, and previous high-risk breast lesions. Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variants may require earlier screening—potentially starting from age 25—based on clinical guidance.
SGU referenced a 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis revealing that only 13% of women in sub-Saharan Africa have ever undergone a clinical breast examination. The university linked screening disparities to differences in education levels, household income, health insurance coverage, and access to healthcare services. It called for improvements in diagnostic infrastructure, increased training for frontline health workers, and broader availability of imaging and pathology services. Strengthening referral systems is also essential to ensure women with abnormal findings receive timely intervention.
Artificial intelligence offers potential aid in areas with limited specialist availability
The university noted that artificial intelligence could play a role in supporting detection efforts through patient triage, image analysis, workflow management, and risk assessment—especially in regions where specialist expertise is scarce. Nonetheless, it emphasized that AI tools require proper validation, quality checks, diagnostic confirmation, and ongoing monitoring across diverse populations. Frame stated, “AI output is not a diagnosis.” She stressed that results must be interpreted in conjunction with a patient’s clinical history, risk factors, examination findings, and appropriate imaging.
Frame proposed integrating community health workers, portable AI devices, and digital referral pathways into primary healthcare to reach women facing geographic, financial, or systemic barriers. SGU urged women to discuss family history, possible genetic counseling, breast density, and previous symptoms or biopsy results with their healthcare providers. The university underscored that early detection must be complemented by timely diagnosis and treatment, as delays in confirming abnormal findings continue to pose significant challenges across Africa.