Breast Cancer among Women in Nigeria: Systematic Review of a 15-Year Prevalence Rate and a Situational Analysis

Akhaine J. Precious *

Department of Surgery, Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Onu S. Ngozi

Department of Internal Medicine, Godfrey Okoye University teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.

Dongo E. Naomi

Department of Surgery, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua Edo State, Nigeria.

Ayemoro O. Temitope

Department of Surgery, Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Oiku M. Omofuma

Department of Surgery, Godfrey Okoye University Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.

Ananwuna P. Nnagozie

Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.

Lebechi N. Opara

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital Isolo, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Madu, W. Chimezie

General Practice, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, United Kingdom.

Okeke, D. Onyedikachi

Primary Health Care, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom.

Ighodaro T. Osazuwa

Emergency Department, Basildon University Hospital, United Kingdom.

Ogedegbe S. Idemudia

Department of Public Health, University of Chester, Cheshire, United Kingdom.

Ozigbo F. Oziegbe

Department of Surgery, Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is a growing menace to the world, especially in developing West Africa countries such as Nigeria. Its incidence in Nigeria has been rising and yet so many cases remain undocumented especially due to poor reportage and late presentation. A number of issues and risk factors as identified such as lifestyle habits, social economic status, age and exposure to certain hormones predispose women to breast cancer and several challenges are currently faced in detecting and managing breast cancer in Nigeria especially in the aspect of medical imaging technology, update in treatment and finances.

Objective: The purpose of this analysis is to document and explore the prevalence of breast cancer among women in Nigeria.

Methods: A systematic review was done using the PRISMA review process this resulted in the eventual selection of studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: 210 studies were identified for this study after search from reliable data bases with the aid of specific search terms. These were further screened resulting in 14 studies making it to the final stage. Enugu state had the highest recorded prevalence rate of 54.3% with Kogi having the least 6.6%. Mean prevalence rate was 37.7%. 

Conclusion: It was observed that studies have shown that the prevalence of breast cancer in most parts of the Nigerian states do not give the true picture as many of these states lack national cancer registries and a few studies have been conducted on this paramount issue.

Keywords: Breast, cancer, prevalence, community, women, PRISMA


How to Cite

Precious, Akhaine J., Onu S. Ngozi, Dongo E. Naomi, Ayemoro O. Temitope, Oiku M. Omofuma, Ananwuna P. Nnagozie, Lebechi N. Opara, et al. 2025. “Breast Cancer Among Women in Nigeria: Systematic Review of a 15-Year Prevalence Rate and a Situational Analysis”. International Research Journal of Oncology 8 (1):29-38. https://doi.org/10.9734/irjo/2025/v8i1172.

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