LAGOS, Nigeria / AfricaWire.IO / – St. George’s University has emphasized the importance of implementing risk-focused breast cancer screening protocols across Africa, following research revealing that 21.9% of women diagnosed with the disease in five sub-Saharan African nations were under the age of 40. The institution 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 within underserved populations.
This call was made by SGU 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 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 is also the primary 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 individual risk profiles can vary significantly. “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 noted. Frame encouraged women to familiarize themselves with how their breasts normally look and feel, urging prompt medical consultation for any unexplained changes.
Genetics and family history influence screening approaches
According to Frame, breast cancer often presents at a younger age in Africa, and access to high-quality imaging services remains inconsistent. The university identified several factors—including family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited genetic mutations, breast density, and previous high-risk lesions—that can inform personalized screening strategies. Women carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations might require earlier screening, possibly starting at age 25, based 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 undergone a clinical breast examination at any point. The university linked gaps in screening access to disparities in education, household income, health insurance coverage, and availability of healthcare services. It called for improvements in diagnostic infrastructure, enhanced training for frontline health workers, and increased access to imaging and pathology services. Establishing more effective referral pathways is crucial to ensure women with abnormal findings receive timely care.
Artificial intelligence may aid detection in regions with limited specialist availability
The university highlighted that artificial intelligence has potential to assist in breast cancer detection through patient triage, image analysis, workflow management, and risk assessment, particularly in areas where specialist resources are scarce. Nonetheless, it emphasized that AI tools require rigorous validation, quality checks, diagnostic confirmation, and ongoing monitoring across diverse populations. “AI output is not a diagnosis,” Frame stated. She added that AI results should be interpreted in conjunction with the patient’s clinical history, risk factors, examination findings, and relevant imaging.
Frame suggested that community health workers, portable AI devices, and digital referral systems could be integrated into primary healthcare settings to reach women facing geographic, financial, and systemic barriers. SGU urged women to discuss family history, potential genetic counseling, breast density, and past symptoms or biopsy results with their healthcare providers. The university emphasized that early detection must be accompanied by timely diagnosis and treatment, as delays in confirming abnormal findings continue to be a significant obstacle across Africa.