LAGOS, Nigeria / AfricaWire.IO / – St. George’s University has emphasized the importance of adopting risk-based breast cancer screening protocols across Africa following a study revealing that 21.9% of women diagnosed with the disease in five sub-Saharan African nations were under 40 years old. The university urged healthcare providers to 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 populations.
The call was made during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the necessity for broader access to breast examinations, diagnostic imaging, and specialized care. Data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer‘s GLOBOCAN 2024 report, published in 2026, indicates that Africa recorded approximately 225,643 new cases of breast cancer and 100,070 deaths in 2024. It remains the most prevalent cancer among women in Africa and the leading 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, explained that risk factors vary significantly among individuals. “Breast cancer risk does not suddenly begin at a particular birthday, and two women of the same age may have very different risk profiles,” she stated. Frame emphasized the importance of women understanding what their breasts normally look and feel like and seeking prompt medical assessment for any unexplained changes.
Family history and genetics influence screening strategies
According to Frame, breast cancer in Africa tends to present at a younger age, and access to high-quality imaging services remains inconsistent. The university identified factors such as family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited genetic mutations, breast density, and previous high-risk breast lesions as critical considerations in developing personalized screening plans. Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variants may require earlier screening, potentially starting from age 25, depending on clinical guidelines.
SGU referenced a systematic review and meta-analysis from 2026 showing that only 13% of women in sub-Saharan Africa have ever undergone a clinical breast examination. The university linked these screening gaps to disparities in education, household income, health insurance access, and healthcare availability. It called for improvements in diagnostic infrastructure, increased training for frontline health workers, and expanded access to imaging and pathology services. Additionally, stronger referral systems are necessary to ensure women with abnormal findings receive timely care.
Artificial intelligence may aid detection in resource-limited areas
The university highlighted that artificial intelligence could enhance detection efforts by aiding patient triage, image analysis, workflow management, and risk assessment, particularly where specialist capacity is limited. Nonetheless, it warned that AI tools require proper validation, quality assurance, diagnostic confirmation, and ongoing monitoring across diverse populations. “AI output is not a diagnosis,” Frame explained. She noted that AI results should always be interpreted alongside a patient’s clinical history, risk factors, physical examination findings, and relevant imaging.
Frame suggested that community health workers, portable AI technologies, and digital referral pathways could be integrated into primary healthcare systems to reach women facing geographical, financial, and systemic barriers. SGU encouraged women to discuss their family history, consider genetic counseling, and share information about breast density and previous symptoms or biopsy results with their healthcare providers. The university stressed that early detection must be complemented by timely diagnosis and treatment, as delays in confirming abnormal findings remain a significant challenge across Africa.