Cancer Burdens in West Africa

Cancer Burden in West Africa

Sub-Saharan West Africa faces a growing cancer burden, with high mortality rates due largely to late-stage diagnosis and limited health infrastructures.
>70% of cancer cases are diagnosed at late stages - when treatment is limited, costly, and often palliative rather than curative.
Breast, cervical, and prostate cancers account for >40% of the region’s cancer burden, despite being among the most treatable when detected early.
>90% of all cervical cancer deaths globally occur in low to middle income countries (LMICs).
1 in 2 women in Africa diagnosed with breast cancer die within 5 years.
A 2026 publication in The Lancet Global Health found ~60% of cancer deaths in many West African countries are avoidable through prevention, earlier detection, and timely access to treatment

Current Challenges

Sub-Saharan West Africa faces a growing cancer burden, with high mortality rates due largely to late-stage diagnosis and limited health infrastructures.
Over >70% of cancer cases are diagnosed at late stages - when treatment is limited, costly, and often palliative rather than curative.
Breast, cervical, and prostate cancers account for >40% of the region’s cancer burden, despite being among the most treatable when detected early.
Greater Than 90% of all cervical cancer deaths globally occur in low to middle income countries (LMICs).
1 in 2 women in Africa diagnosed with breast cancer die within 5 years.
A 2026 publication in The Lancet Global Health found ~60% of cancer deaths in many West African countries are avoidable through prevention, earlier detection, and timely access to treatment

The Growing Burden

New incidence and mortality rates are projected to more than double (150%) between 2022 and 2050.
13.8% of people of African descent have a lifetime risk for cancer before age 75.
Inadequate government funding, focus and resourcing, poor patient awareness, limited training for healthcare workers, and lack of access to diagnostic and therapeutic options continue to plague cancer disease management and outcomes in sub-Saharan West Africa.

Why This Matters Now

To improve health outcomes in West Africa, we must address the convergence of socio-economic and structural pressures. By bridging the gap between diagnostic capability and patient affordability, and advocating for long-term government mitigation strategies, we can help build more resilient systems for a growing population.