A coalition of African women leaders on Wednesday established the Africa Breast Cancer Council, supported by Roche, one of the world’s leading biotech firms.
The new Council aims to tackle the escalating breast cancer crisis on the continent, where the disease has become the most prevalent cancer among women and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality.
Breast cancer survival rates in sub-Saharan Africa are alarmingly low, with only one in two women expected to survive five years post-diagnosis.
In response, the Council will harness the diverse expertise of its members to advocate for policy changes, enhance collaboration, and improve patient outcomes across African nations.
Their mission includes fostering systemic improvements in healthcare infrastructure, accessibility, and funding, with an initial focus on healthcare systems receptive to innovation and partnerships.
Dr. Miriam Mutebi, a member of the Council and a Breast Cancer Surgical Oncologist at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, emphasized the significance of launching the Council during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“We are using this month to amplify our collective voice, highlighting the urgent need to address the unacceptable toll of breast cancer on African women,” she stated.
The Council aims to reduce the average time to diagnosis from over six months to just 60 days, addressing critical gaps in healthcare that hinder timely treatment.
Currently, more than 60% of women in Kenya are diagnosed with breast cancer at an advanced stage, often due to systemic inefficiencies and a lack of awareness regarding symptoms and self-examination.
Barriers such as geographic distance to healthcare facilities and inadequate integrated health systems complicate patient pathways and elevate treatment costs.
Wendy Cupido, Co-chair of the Africa Breast Cancer Council and General Manager at Roche South Africa, highlighted the collective strength of the Council.
Each member brings vital knowledge and expertise to the table. Together, we aim to create a unified force to address significant concerns surrounding breast cancer care.
Dr. Magda Robalo, another Council member and President of the Institute for Global Health and Development, stressed the urgency of their mission.
“Most African women are diagnosed too late, and many do not receive the necessary treatment. This injustice is preventable, and we will advocate for governments to allocate the resources needed to change this narrative,” she asserted.
The Africa Breast Cancer Council stands poised to make a significant impact on breast cancer care in Africa, driving efforts to ensure that women receive timely diagnoses and effective treatment, ultimately improving survival rates across the continent.
