Photodynamic therapy in breast cancer treatment
The five‑year overall survival rate for breast cancer patients does not exceed 60% for any low‑ and middle‑income country (LMIC) in Africa.
There is limited information about the challenges of cancer management and attempts at improving outcomes in Africa. Even though South and North Africa are better resourced to tackle the burden of breast cancer, similar poor prognostic factors are common to all countries. The five‑year overall Survival rate for breast cancer patients does not exceed 60% for any low and middle‑income country (LMIC) in Africa. In spite of the gains achieved over the past decade, certain characteristics remain the same such as limited availability of breast conservation therapies, inadequate access to drugs, few oncology specialists and adherence to harmful socio‑cultural practices. This review on managing breast cancer in Africa is authored by African oncologists who practice or collaborate in Africa and with hands‑on experience with the realities.
Lower overall survival rates, poorer access to radiotherapy and systemic therapies, higher prevalence of triple‑negative breast cancer, and limited surgical and pathology resources in Africa contribute to a substantial burden of disease and poorer outcomes compared with high‑income countries. Understanding these disparities is essential for guiding policy, resource allocation, and the design of interventions to improve survival and quality of life for African breast cancer patients.
Evidence level: Állatkísérletes. Állatmodellben vizsgálták.
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