Several African countries are leading the global rise in new breast cancer cases, with Equatorial Guinea recording the highest increase at 312 per cent, according to findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study.
The study, published on the website of The Lancet on Monday, analysed data from cancer registries, vital registration systems and interviews with families of deceased patients. It provided updated estimates of the global, regional and national burden of female breast cancer from 1990 to 2023 across 204 countries and territories, with projections to 2050.
Between 1990 and 2023, Equatorial Guinea not only recorded the highest rise in new cases but also the second-highest increase in breast cancer deaths at 212 per cent. Other countries with significant increases in new cases include Ethiopia (207 per cent), Egypt (189 per cent), Democratic Republic of the Congo (160 per cent), Mauritania (141 per cent), Uganda (135 per cent), Mali (133 per cent) and Liberia (129 per cent).
In Nigeria, the report revealed a significant rise in both incidence and mortality. In 2023, the country recorded 53,500 new breast cancer cases, representing a 542.9 per cent increase since 1990. The age-standardised incidence rate stood at 72.1 per 100,000 in 2023, reflecting a 108.8 per cent rise compared to 1990.
Breast cancer deaths in Nigeria reached 26,200 in 2023 — a 408.3 per cent increase since 1990 — with an age-standardised death rate of 38.7 per 100,000, marking a 73.5 per cent rise over the same period.
Globally, the study projected that annual breast cancer deaths would increase by 44 per cent from 764,000 in 2023 to nearly 1.4 million by 2050, largely in low- and lower-middle-income countries. New cases worldwide are expected to rise from 2.3 million in 2023 to more than 3.5 million in 2050.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women globally, with about 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2023. Approximately 73 per cent of cases occurred in high- and upper-middle-income countries.
The study found that women aged 55 and older accounted for three times as many new cases as those aged 20 to 54 in 2023. However, incidence rates among younger women have increased since 1990, while rates among older women have remained relatively stable.
Researchers attributed 28 per cent of global breast cancer cases to six modifiable risk factors, including smoking, high blood sugar and obesity. High red meat consumption was identified as the most significant contributor, linked to nearly 11 per cent of healthy life lost. High alcohol use and low physical activity each accounted for two per cent.
The study emphasised that maintaining a healthy lifestyle — including avoiding smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, reducing red meat intake and maintaining a healthy weight — could substantially lower risk.
Lead author Lisa Force called for coordinated global efforts to strengthen health systems, promote early diagnosis and ensure access to comprehensive and affordable breast cancer care, including universal health coverage to reduce financial hardship and improve patient outcomes.