A Surgical Oncologist, Prof. Emmanuel Ezeome, has raised concerns over the alarming increase in breast cancer cases in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, over the past 30 years.
Ezeome raised the concern when he featured as the keynote speaker at the Roche Breast Cancer Summit 2025 held in Lagos on Wednesday.
He revealed that breast cancer cases in the region had risen by 247 per cent from over 28,000 to more than 83,000 new cases, with Nigeria accounting for the majority of these cases.
The theme of the two-day summit, was, “United by Unique: Advancing Breast Cancer Care in Nigeria.”
Ezeome is a Professor of surgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Head of the General Surgery Division at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.
He cited a recent study published in the British Medical Journal, based on data from the Global Burden of Disease project.
“Breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate in most of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Nigeria,” he said.
“In Sub-Saharan Africa, the age-standardised incidence rate remained relatively stable at 29.7 cases per 1,000 individuals over 30 years.
“However, in Nigeria, it rose from 24.9 to 38.2 cases per 1,000, representing a 296 per cent increase.”
On mortality, he added: “Across Africa, breast cancer deaths increased by 184 per cent, with Nigeria recording the highest rise.
“The age-standardised mortality rate in the country rose from 19.3 to 26.9 per 1,000 individuals, a 22 to 23 per cent increase.”
He attributed the surge to factors such as increased life expectancy, an aging population, and changing lifestyles.
Ezeome stressed the importance of early detection and timely treatment, noting that delays, both institutional and patient-related, significantly impacted survival rates.
He also called for urgent action to shift the trend of late presentation and underscored the need for reliable data.
“Strengthening the National Cancer Registry is essential to provide accurate statistics that can inform policy and guide interventions,” he said.
Prof. Usman Malami, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), highlighted the current gaps in breast cancer awareness, detection, treatment, and palliative care.
Malami was represented by Prof. Musa Ali-Gombe, Director of Clinical Services at NICRAT.
He said improved policies, funding, and infrastructure were critical to improving outcomes.
“Although initiatives like the ‘Big October campaign’ and social media awareness drives have raised visibility, screening rates remain low.
“NICRAT is working to expand access, improve early detection, and introduce advanced treatment options, including innovative therapies and surgeries.
“Partnerships are crucial to overcoming financial barriers and improving community participation,” he said.
General Manager of Roche Nigeria, Dr Ladi Hameed,emphasised the need to scale up treatment due to Nigeria’s large population and the growing incidence of cancer.
He highlighted the importance of health insurance in reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients and praised the success of Roche’s cancer medications in improving survival outcomes over the past two decades.
According to him, the African Breast Cancer Ambition, now localised as the Nigerian Breast Cancer Ambition, is a significant step in tackling the cancer burden.
“Breast cancer is the most emotive and prevalent cancer not only in Nigeria but across Africa,” Hameed said.
“If we can manage breast cancer effectively, equip hospitals, train healthcare professionals, and modernise laboratories, it will serve as a model that can create a ripple effect for managing other cancers,”he said
