LAGOS, Nigeria / AfricaWire.IO / – St. George’s University has recommended implementing risk-based screening for breast cancer throughout Africa after research revealed that 21.9% of women diagnosed with the disease in five sub-Saharan African nations were under 40 years old. The university emphasized that healthcare providers should consider individual risk factors alongside age when determining who should undergo screening. It cautioned that relying solely on age could hinder early detection, especially in underserved populations.
This recommendation was made during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of expanding access to breast exams, diagnostic imaging, and specialist services. According to estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s GLOBOCAN 2024 data, published in 2026, Africa recorded approximately 225,643 new cases of breast cancer and 100,070 related deaths in 2024. Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women on the continent and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among females.
Dr. Tonia Frame, Assistant Professor and Director of the Global Health Unit within 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 advised women to familiarize themselves with how their breasts normally look and feel and to seek prompt medical evaluation if they notice unexplained changes.
Family history and genetics influence screening strategies
According to Frame, breast cancer in Africa often manifests at a relatively younger age, and access to high-quality imaging remains inconsistent. The university identified several factors that could influence personalized screening plans, including family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited genetic mutations, breast density, and previous high-risk lesions. Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations may require earlier screening, potentially from age 25, depending on clinical guidance.
SGU also referenced a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2026, which found that only 13% of women in sub-Saharan Africa had ever undergone a clinical breast examination. The university linked screening gaps to disparities in education, household income, health insurance coverage, and access to healthcare services. It called for improved diagnostic infrastructure, enhanced training for frontline health workers, and expanded availability of imaging and pathology services. Developing stronger referral systems is also crucial to ensure women with abnormal findings receive timely care.
Artificial intelligence may aid detection in regions with limited specialists
The university highlighted that artificial intelligence could assist in patient triage, image analysis, workflow management, and risk assessment, especially in areas with scarce specialist resources. Nonetheless, it warned that AI tools require thorough validation, quality assurance, diagnostic confirmation, and ongoing monitoring across different populations. “AI output is not a diagnosis,” Frame emphasized. She added that AI results should be interpreted alongside a patient’s clinical history, risk factors, physical examination, and appropriate imaging.
Frame suggested that integrating community health workers, portable AI devices, and digital referral pathways into primary healthcare could improve outreach to women facing geographical, financial, and systemic barriers. SGU encouraged women to discuss family history, genetic counseling options, breast density, and prior 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 continue to be a significant obstacle across Africa.