Breast cancer is the most common cancer reported in women worldwide and in developing nations, the latter where it is characterized by occurrence at younger ages.

 

Breast cancer rates in Africa are on the rise and death rates are as high as those in rich nations. A major barrier to cervical and breast cancer care in Africa is the lack of accessible and affordable screening and treatment facilities. Other barriers include lack of awareness of the early signs and symptoms, the belief that cancer has a supernatural origin, and is always fatal.

 

In Zambia and most other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women, after cancer of the cervix.