Cancer Rates Are Growing Faster in Africa Than On Any Other Continent
ACCORDING TO THE International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in 2020 AFRICA HAD
1.1 Million New Cancer Cases
and 711,429 Cancer Deaths
FACT
Cancer rates on the Continent will almost double to 2 million cases between 2020 and 2040.
FACT
The majority of cancers in African countries are diagnosed at more advanced stages due to lack of screening and early detection services. This results in less successful treatment outcomes and higher mortality rates.
FACT
People of African ancestry face higher incidence and mortality rates than any other racial group on the planet.
FACT
People of African ancestry are extremely under-represented in cancer research worldwide which results in the lack of development of innovative/more effective therapies specifically targeted at cancer patients of African ancestry.
Fact
Unlike in the West, women in Africa have a higher cancer incidence and mortality rate than their male counterparts.
FACT
Although cancer kills more adults in Africa than infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV & tuberculosis combined there is more focus and funding targeted at the infectious diseases.
WHEN DETECTED EARLY, MANY OF AFRICA'S MOST COMMON CANCERS are highly treatable OR PREVENTABLE
1. BREAST & CERVICAL CANCERS
Breast and cervical cancers
are the leading cancer diagnoses among African women, with 1 in 5 cancer deaths being due to either of these cancers. Five-year survival rates for African women with breast cancer is only 5-15%.
Monthly self-breast examination combined with regular mammograms are the most effective early breast cancer detection strategies. With early treatment, the survival rate is up to 93%. Cervical cancer can be eliminated with annual PAP screenings and HPV vaccinations.
2. PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer has a nearly 100% cure rate when diagnosed and treated early. It is grossly undiagnosed and underestimated in African countries. It has become the number one cancer diagnosed in African men.
Can be eliminated with regular PSA screenings, early detection and treatment.
3. COLORECTAL CANCER
An increasingly a main cause of mortality in African men and women, due to late-stage diagnosis. Average survival rates are as low as 16% in comparison to the West, where survival rates can be as high as 90% if treatment commences when cancer is still localized.
With regular colonoscopies, early detection and treatment, survival rates can be close to close to 100%.
4. LIVER CANCER
A leading cause of cancer death in Africa, with men having a 2-3 times higher incidence and mortality rate than women. Hepatitis B & C, toxin/mold exposure and alcohol consumption are risk factors. Women are more likely to naturally clear acute hepatitis B infection, and they also drink much less alcohol than men.
Preventing Hepatitis B & C and limiting alcohol consumption are the most effective ways to prevent liver cancer. The Hep B vaccine is highly effective, Hepatitis C has no vaccine but is curable with anti-viral medications.
5. LUNG CANCER
A leading cause of cancer death in Africa, with men having twice the mortality rate, as compared with women.
90% preventable by eliminating tobacco use and avoiding second hand smoke.