Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in Africa, and tens of thousands of women lose their lives to the disease each year.1 This is a tragedy for women and their families – and one that has significant social and economic consequences for Africa’s nations.2 Breast cancer deprives families and communities of mothers, carers and providers, and takes women out of the workforce. It is estimated that the economic impact of the disease is between 0.4 and 0.7% of gross domestic product (GDP).3

Across Africa, we are working with governments, healthcare providers and other stakeholders to give women a better chance of surviving breast cancer. Today, 60-70% of African women are diagnosed at a late stage when cancer is hardest to treat.3 Our ambition is to reduce this to 40%.

In Egypt, we have supported a pioneering nationwide initiative led by the country’s government to detect and treat the disease earlier. Launched in 2019, the initiative screens women and directs those at risk for further investigations and – if needed – treatment. 

In Algeria, we are working in partnership with the country’s health authorities to support early detection, faster diagnosis and access to advanced treatment. We are partnering to train healthcare professionals as well as establish disease registries and clinical trials. 

Beyond Egypt and Algeria, we’re working with partners in 20 countries across all regions of Africa to accelerate progress at every stage of the breast cancer care treatment journey.

Both Egypt and Algeria demonstrate that progress is possible – and that it can benefit wider society as well as women and their families. 

In Egypt, 34.7 million women have been screened and 70% of breast cancer cases are now found early.5 The value of investing in women’s health is clear: a WHO report on this initiative has found that the investment in early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of breast cancer could provide a return of between US$ 6.4 to US$ 7.8 on each US$ 1 invested.6

In Algeria patients now have access to free breast cancer care within the public health care system, including surgery, radiation and innovative medicines. 7

With new cases of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa projected to double by 2040,8 there is a pressing need to take action however  governments and health providers across Africa are not alone. 

Roche aims toon opportunities to develop comprehensive and sustainable solutions that address healthcare gaps and enhance the resilience of health systems around the world.

Together, we can re-write the story of breast cancer in Africa.