Number of new cancer cases in Africa 2020-2022, by type

Cancer in Africa is a growing concern. The number of new cases reported on the continent amounted to over

million in 2022. Breast cancer had the highest number of new cases, with reported incidences of cancer. This demonstrated an increase of percent compared to 2020. Cervical cancer and prostate cancer followed, with around and over cases, respectively. Cervical cancer’s ranking in Africa is significantly higher than the new cases of cancer reported worldwide, and this is likely due to its prevalence in women living with HIV. Women who have contracted HIV are also more prone to having a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is generally linked with cervical cancer. 

Deaths related to cancer

Of almost

million cancer-related diagnoses in Africa in 2022, deaths were registered. Breast cancer was the highest contributor to the number of deaths, with cases. On a global scale, African women contributed around percent to the global number of deaths related to breast cancer among females. However, deaths related to colon cancer, including both genders, have more than doubled since 2020.  This is likely due to late diagnosis, as symptoms are often presented at an advanced stage of the disease. Poor access to prevention screenings and treatment options, and a lack of awareness, particularly in rural areas, have contributed significantly to the overall survival rate.  

Risk factors

Various risk factors are associated with cancer. It can be caused by internal factors such as genetic mutations as well as external factors such as lifestyle choices and environmental factors. Cancer arises when a single cell mutates and abnormal cell growth develops, which eventually spreads into other tissues and organs. Exposure to chemicals or minerals (such as asbestos) may trigger a cell to behave abnormally. Additionally, a lack of physical activity, a diet high in processed food, obesity, alcohol abuse, and smoking are some lifestyle factors that may contribute to or increase the risk of cancer.