AN OVERVIEW OF THE PRESENT STATE OF CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Background:Cancer presents a growing public health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), marked by increasing incidence and significantly higher mortality rates than those seen in high-income countries. Objective:This review aims to evaluate the current state of cancer diagnosis and management in SSA, synthesising evidence from the past decade. Methods:A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on studies, reports, and data from the SSA published within the last ten years, with particular attention to diagnostic access, treatment availability, health system capacity, and policy responses. Results:Major diagnostic challenges include restricted access to imaging and pathology services, late-stage presentation, and a critical shortage of trained personnel. Treatment delivery—comprising surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies—is hindered by infrastructural deficits, lack of essential equipment, high drug costs, and workforce inadequacies. Broader health system limitations, such as fragmented care pathways, financial barriers, and weak cancer registries, further compound the burden. Nonetheless, recent efforts, including national cancer control plans, international collaborations, and innovations such as tele-oncology, indicate incremental progress. Conclusion:There is an urgent need for substantial and sustained investment in cancer infrastructure, workforce development, data systems, and regional integration. Addressing these gaps requires equitable, context-specific strategies aligned with universal health coverage to mitigate the growing cancer burden across SSA.