Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies of survival patterns among patients with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 14,459 patients in 49 cohort studies investigated survival patterns among breast cancer patients in sub-Saharan Africa. The survival rates were estimated to be 79% at 1 year, 56% at 3 years, and 40% at 5 years. The survival was lower in countries with a low compared with middle and high human development index. An improvement in survival was observed in studies conducted in more recent years. The authors conclude that a comprehensive approach – including breast cancer screening, early diagnosis, and effective treatment – involving collaboration from all relevant stakeholders is necessary to improve the low survival rates of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa.