Recent information has been circulating about the rising rates of breast cancer in the Central African Republic. This analysis aims to provide an in-depth understanding of this condition.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the breast tissue. It represents the highest rate of mortality among women in Africa. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded 2.3 million cases of breast cancer and 685,000 deaths from breast cancer worldwide. Breast cancer accounts for nearly 12% of all cancer cases globally and has become the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer, as well as the leading cause of cancer death among women.
By the end of 2020, 7.8 million women had been diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the most prevalent malignant condition. Among 183 countries, breast cancer is the most common cancer in 158 countries (86%) and the leading cause of cancer death in 107 countries (58%). It is the primary or secondary cause of death in 173 out of 183 countries (95%). In sub-Saharan Africa, half of the deaths from breast cancer occur in individuals under 50 years old. Thus, the chronic social disruptions and financial burdens caused by breast cancer will continue to impact low- and middle-income countries for generations to come.
Causes of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer has various risk factors, whether hereditary, hormonal, or other. It begins with uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the breast, leading to tumor masses that invade the breast tissue and can rapidly turn into cancer.
“The primary risk factor is hereditary. If someone in the family has had cancer, there is a possibility of developing breast cancer or another type of cancer. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as other hormonal factors, also contribute to the development of cancer,” explains Dr. Kosh-Komba Jess-Elio, Pediatric Oncologist at the University Pediatric Hospital of Bangui and president of the cancer support association.
He adds, “To detect breast cancer, there are lesions that appear in the breast. This could be a lump, an orange-peel appearance of the skin, a sore, or a lump in the breast. These signs should prompt the person to seek medical consultation as soon as possible.” “Self-examination at home through breast palpation is one of the best ways to detect breast cancer early,” he continues. “One of the best treatments for breast cancer is early detection.”
Side Effects of Management and Treatment
According to WHO, “Managing breast cancer is more complex than cervical cancer. It involves multiple stages and the process can sometimes be lengthy. It requires imaging exams, mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy. All these steps take time, making it more complicated compared to cervical cancer.” Breast cancer is not contagious. “A child can breastfeed from a mother who has breast cancer without transmitting the cancer to the child. It is no longer a taboo; early detection of breast cancer can save lives.”
Treatment
Breast cancer treatment has advanced significantly since 1980. Treatment can be effective and offer a survival rate of 90% or higher, especially if the disease is detected early. It generally includes surgery and radiation therapy to control the disease in the breast, lymph nodes, and nearby areas (local-regional control), as well as systemic treatment (cancer medications administered orally or intravenously) to address metastases and/or reduce the risk of cancer spread. Medications for cancer treatment include endocrine therapy (hormonal therapy), chemotherapy, and in some cases, targeted biological therapy (antibodies).
If current trends continue, the burden of morbidity and mortality from breast cancer is expected to rise from 2.74 million new cases and 857,000 deaths per year by 2030 to 3.19 million cases and 1.04 million deaths by 2040, according to estimates from various regions where WHO operates.
By Fouf-Kagna Grebaye / AFC
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