Global Inequality in Access to Care and Treatment

GLOBAL INEQUITIES IN ACCESS TO CARE TREATMENT IN NIGERIA

Cancer incidence has been increasing globally, with significant disparities between developed and developing countries. While developed regions report higher incidence rates, mortality is disproportionately higher in less developed countries due to factors such as late-stage diagnosis and limited access to treatment.

In sub-Saharan Africa, breast cancer incidence rates have risen substantially. Between 1990 and 2019, there was a 247% increase in breast cancer cases, with Nigeria recording the highest incidence in the region. This surge underscores the growing burden of breast cancer in West Africa1

Despite lower incidence rates compared to developed countries, mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa are notably higher. This disparity is largely attributed to late-stage diagnoses and limited access to effective treatment. For instance, in 2020, Africa reported approximately 186,598 new breast cancer cases and 85,787 related deaths, indicating a high mortality-to-incidence ratio2

Specifically, in Nigeria, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. The age-standardized mortality rate stands at 25.5 per 100,000, surpassing rates observed in many developed regions3 This high mortality rate highlights the critical need for improved early detection and treatment infrastructure in the country. These statistics emphasize the urgent need for enhanced early detection programs, increased awareness, and improved access to treatment facilities in West Africa and Nigeria to reduce breast cancer mortality.

Until recently, cancer has been excluded from broader discussions of global health. International and local organizations alike have focused on However, as the global health community has recognized the growing burden of cancer and other complex, chronic diseases, more organizations have realized that resources must be dedicated to creating systems that can provide the entire breadth of health services. Leadership by the Union of International Cancer Control, the Global Taskforce for Cancer Care and Control, ministries of health and many local partners have supported efforts for access to comprehensive cancer care with a focus on low and middle-income countries and equitable access to healthcare as a human right.

Reference:

Bray, F., Laversanne, M., Sung, H., Ferlay, J., Siegel, R. L., Soerjomataram, I., & Jemal, A. (2024). Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 74(3). https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21834

  1. Igbokwe KKComparative examination of breast cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa, 1990–2019: estimates from Global Burden of Disease 2019 studyBMJ Open 2024;14:e082492. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082492
  2. Sharma, R., Aashima, N., Nanda, M., Fronterre, C., Sewagudde, P., Ssentongo, A. E., Yenney, K., Arhin, N. D., Oh, J., Amponsah-Manu, F., & Ssentongo, P. (2022). Mapping Cancer in Africa: A comprehensive and comparable characterization of 34 cancer types using estimates from GLOBOCAN 2020. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.839835
  3. Omisore, A. D., Sutton, E. J., Akinola, R. A., Towoju, A. G., Akhigbe, A., Ebubedike, U. R., Tansley, G., Olasehinde, O., Goyal, A., Akinde, A. O., Alatise, O. I., Mango, V. L., Kingham, T. P., & Knapp, G. C. (2023). Population-Level access to breast cancer early detection and diagnosis in Nigeria. JCO Global Oncology, 9. https://doi.org/10.1200/go.23.00093