Umobong EO1 , Gbaa ZL2 , Ugwu I3 , Onyewuchi AJ 4 , Ojo Ba5 , Gbaa Af6
1Histoconsult Laboratory, Abuja. Nigeria
2Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
3Department of Anatomic Pathology, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo Nigeria
4Department of Surgery, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Nigeria
5Department of Histopathology, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria.
6College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
Corresponding Author Email: zulumgbaa@gmail.com
DOI : https://doi.org/10.51470/AMSR.2025.04.02.47
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, experiencing a growing burden. Histopathological evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis, subtype classification, and guiding treatment decisions. To evaluate the histopathological patterns, age and sex distribution, and frequency of malignant breast lesions diagnosed over 10 years at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, North Central Nigeria.
A retrospective descriptive study of all breast specimens received at the histopathology department between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2024. Data on age, sex, and histological diagnosis were extracted, analysed, and presented as frequencies, percentages, and mean values.
Out of 3,966 histopathological specimens received, 392 (9.9%) were breast lesions. Of these, 182 (46%) were malignant and 210 (54%) benign, giving a benign-to-malignant ratio of approximately 2:1. Malignant lesions predominantly affected females (96.2%, 175 cases), with a male-to-female ratio of 1:25. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) was the most common subtype, accounting for 90% (165 cases), with a mean patient age of 49.2 years. The overall mean age for malignant breast disease was approximately 45 years. The most affected age groups were 41–50 and 51–60 years. Less common subtypes included papillary carcinoma (3.2%), ductal carcinoma in situ (1.6%), clear cell carcinoma (1.1%), and others. Male breast cancer accounted for 3.8% of malignant cases, with an average age of occurrence of 60 years.
Malignant breast lesions in Makurdi are predominantly invasive ductal carcinomas, affecting mainly middle-aged women. The findings reflect regional trends across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Early detection, improved diagnostic infrastructure, and targeted awareness, especially for male breast cancer, are recommended to improve outcomes.
Keywords
Introduction:
Breast cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality in women globally, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths each year {1}. Incidence rates are highest in high-income countries; however, mortality is disproportionately higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to limited screening, late presentation, and insufficient treatment infrastructure {2}. In Sub-Saharan Africa, breast cancer occurs at a younger age, exhibits more aggressive histological subtypes, and is often diagnosed at advanced stages {3-5}. Nigeria exemplifies this regional trend, with breast cancer surpassing cervical cancer as the predominant malignancy among women, thereby significantly impacting the national cancer burden {6-8}.
Histopathological assessment is the definitive standard for diagnosis, classification, and treatment guidance of breast malignancies. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) constitutes 70–80% of breast cancer cases worldwide, whereas invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), mucinous, and medullary subtypes are less prevalent {9-10}. Research conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ghana, Uganda, and Ethiopia, indicates a prevalence of IDC, frequently characterised as high-grade and oestrogen receptor-negative. Nigerian studies conducted in Lagos, Enugu, and Kano indicate that IDC is the predominant histological subtype, primarily observed in women aged 40–49 years, characterised by high-grade features and a notable incidence of lympho vascular invasion {6,8,11-13}.
Despite these insights, regional disparities continue to exist, and data from North-Central Nigeria are still limited. Analysing the histopathological features of breast malignancies in this region is essential for enhancing local cancer control strategies, increasing diagnostic accuracy, and optimising resource distribution. This study presents a detailed histopathological analysis of malignant breast lesions identified at a Federal Medical Centre in North-Central Nigeria over a decade.
Materials and Methods:
This study was a retrospective descriptive analysis carried out in the Department of Histopathology at the Federal Medical Centre in Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria. This study analysed all histological confirmed malignant breast lesions collected in the laboratory over 10 years, from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2024. All breast tissue specimens identified as malignant through histopathological evaluation during the study period were included, irrespective of patient age or gender. Cases lacking complete data, definitive histological diagnoses, or absent tissue blocks and slides were excluded from the analysis. Histopathology request forms, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, and associated slides were obtained from departmental archives. Clinical details, including age, sex, tumour laterality, and provisional diagnosis, were extracted. All haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides were independently reviewed by a minimum of two pathologists to confirm the initial diagnoses. Additional slides were recut from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks for reassessment as needed.
Data were input into Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results were presented through descriptive statistics, encompassing frequencies, percentages, and means, along with the use of simple charts and tables. Histologic subtypes were analysed based on age group and sex.
Results:
A total of 3,966 histopathological specimens were received between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2024, of which 392 (9.9%) were breast lesions. Among these, 182 cases (46%) were histologically diagnosed as malignant and 210 (54%) as benign, yielding a Malignant-to-Benign ratio of 1:2. Malignant breast lesions predominantly affected females (175 cases), with only 7 cases occurring in males, giving a male-to-female ratio of 1:25.(Figure 1)
The histopathological classification of malignant breast diseases showed a marked predominance of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), accounting for 90% (165 cases), with a mean age of all patients with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma is approximately49.2 years.Papillary carcinoma comprised 3.2% (5 cases), while Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ represented 1.6% (3 cases). Other less common subtypes included clear cell carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma, each contributing 1.1% (2 cases). Mucinous carcinoma, malignant epithelial tumours, tubular carcinoma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma were each observed in 0.5% (1 case) of the total (Figure 2 and Table 1).
The age distribution of malignant breast diseases revealed that the majority of cases occurred in the 41–50 and 51–60-year age groups, with a mean age of all patients with malignant breast lesions is approximately 45years. Notably, two cases were identified in the paediatric age group: one case of clear cell carcinoma and one case of tubular adenocarcinoma (Table 1).
The histopathological diagnosis and age of occurrence of malignant breast disease in males revealed that 57% (5of the cases) were invasive ductal carcinoma. The average age of occurrence for malignant breast disease in males was 60 years (Figure 3).
Using Weighted Mean Age Calculation, the mean age of patients with:
- The mean age of all patients with malignant breast lesions is approximately 44.7 years.
- The mean age of all patients with Invasive ductal carcinoma is approximately 49.2 years.
Discussion:
Breast cancer remains a major public health concern globally and within sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with rising incidence and disproportionate mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to late presentation, limited diagnostic infrastructure, and restricted access to optimal care{14,16}. The present study from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi, North Central Nigeria, spanning a decade (2015–2024), provides valuable insight into the histopathological profile, demographic patterns, and gender distribution of malignant breast lesions, contributing to the regional evidence base.
Of the 3,966 histopathological specimens reviewed, breast lesions comprised 9.9% (392 cases). Nearly half of these were malignant (182 cases, 46%), yielding a malignant-to-benign ratio of 1:2. This proportion is comparable to other Nigerian and SSA series, where malignancies constitute 40–55% of breast biopsies {17-19}. This high prevalence underscores the growing burden of breast malignancies in this population.
A striking female preponderance was observed: 175 females versus 7 males (M:F = 1:25), consistent with global gender patterns20. However, the 3.8% male breast cancer rate in this study is higher than the global average of <1%21, indicating a potentially higher local incidence or increased detection. Male breast cancer in African populations, though underreported, is increasingly documented {22-24}, with similar findings in Jos and Ibadan reporting male proportions ranging from 2.5–5% {25,26}.
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) overwhelmingly predominated, constituting 90% (165 cases) of all malignant breast lesions. This is in line with global statistics, where IDC accounts for 70–90% of invasive breast cancers {27-29}. Other subtypes, such as papillary carcinoma (3.2%), ductal carcinoma in situ (1.6%), invasive lobular carcinoma (1.1%), and mucinous carcinoma (0.5%), were infrequent. This histopathological profile mirrors other Nigerian and SSA studies from Lagos, Kano, and Accra, which also report a dominance of IDC and rare occurrence of lobular and mucinous subtypes {30-34}.
The rare detection of clear cell carcinoma, tubular carcinoma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma, each in isolated cases, reflects their global rarity and highlights the diagnostic diligence required for atypical lesions{35,36}. The identification of Hodgkin’s lymphoma emphasises the need to consider secondary involvement of the breast by hematologic malignancies {37}.
The mean age of patients with all malignant lesions was approximately 44.7 years, while those with IDC had a slightly higher mean age of 49.2 years. The peak incidence was observed in the 41–50 and 51–60 age brackets, together accounting for 58% of cases. This pattern aligns with Nigerian and SSA data, where breast cancer tends to affect women a decade earlier than in high-income countries (HICs), where the median age of diagnosis is typically ≥60 years{38,39}.
This younger age distribution is attributed to a younger population structure, hormonal influences, and possible genetic/environmental factors in African populations {40}. Studies fromGhana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia similarly report peak incidence in the fourth and fifth decades{41-42-44}. The presence of malignant cases in paediatric age groups (clear cell and tubular carcinomas in two children) is rare but underscores the need for histopathological confirmation in all age groups.
Male breast cancer cases comprised 3.8% (7/182), with a mean age of 60 years, which is consistent with male breast cancer trends worldwide that typically present later than in females{45,46}. IDC was again the predominant subtype (57%), followed by papillary and mucinous carcinoma. This aligns with literature from SSA, including studies in Senegal, Uganda, and Port Harcourt, which demonstrate IDC as the leading male subtype{47-50}.
The relatively older age of onset in males supports the global observation of delayed diagnosis in this group, often due to lack of awareness and sociocultural misconceptions{51}.
The findings from FMC Makurdi are consistent with broader SSA trends: a high proportion of invasive ductal carcinoma, a younger median age, and a low but present male breast cancer burden. In comparison to HICs, where early-stage diagnosis and molecular subtyping are routine, many SSA centres lack access to immunohistochemistry and advanced molecular diagnostics, limiting prognostic classification{52-54}.
Additionally, late presentation, limited access to radiologic and systemic therapies, and high treatment dropout rates compound the challenges in effective cancer control across SSA{55-57}.
Conclusion:
This 10-year histopathological review highlights the dominance of invasive ductal carcinoma, the younger age profile of affected patients, and a low but notable frequency of male breast cancer. These findings affirm existing regional patterns and call for continued surveillance, improved diagnostic infrastructure, and public awareness.
Recommendations:
Enhancing early detection through community-based awareness and screening initiatives, particularly for women aged 30 to 60 years, is essential. Improving diagnostic infrastructure by expanding access to immunohistochemistry and molecular testing will support accurate classification and treatment planning. Increased public and clinical awareness of male breast cancer is also needed to reduce diagnostic delays and stigma. Strengthening regional cancer registries will enable better data collection, surveillance, and health planning. Lastly, developing comprehensive oncology services with multidisciplinary care—including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and psychosocial support—will improve patient outcomes across the region.
Source of Funding:
None.
Conflict of Interest:
None
Ethical Considerations:
Approval for the study was obtained from the Health Research and Ethics Committee of the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi. Patient confidentiality was maintained by anonymising all data during collection and analysis.
Acknowledgements:
We are grateful to the management of the Federal Medical Centre and the histopathology department for the approval given to the use of their archival records
References:
- Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, Laversanne M, Soerjomataram I, Jemal A, et al. Global cancer statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021;71(3):209–249. doi:10.3322/caac.21660
- Cazap E, Anderson BO, Al‑Eid HS, Yip CH, Khaled HM, Fadelu T, et al. Breast cancer in developing countries: current status and future goals. Breast Care (Basel). 2020;15(3):197–203. doi:10.1159/000509745
- Jedy‑Agba E, McCormack V, Adebamowo C, Dos‑Santos‑Silva I, Youlden DR, Adeloye D, et al. Stage at diagnosis of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2016;4(12): e923–e935. doi:10.1016/S2214‑109X (16)30259‑5
- Fregene A, Newman LA. Breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: how does it relate to breast cancer in African‑American women? Cancer. 2005;103(8):1540–1550. doi:10.1002/cncr.20948
- Vanderpuye V, Grover S, Hammad N, Prabhakar P, Simonds H, Olopade F, et al. An update on the management of breast cancer in Africa. Infect Agent Cancer. 2017; 12:13. doi:10.1186/s13027‑017‑0124‑y
- Nwafor CC, Keshinro SO. Histopathological types of breast cancer in Nigerian women: a 10‑year review of cases at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. Niger Med J. 2015;56(1):44–48.
- Ntekim A, Nufu FT, Campbell OB. Breast cancer in young women in Ibadan, Nigeria. Afr Health Sci. 2009;9(4):242–246. PMID:20589149
- Abdulkareem FB, Abudu EK, Awolola NA, Samaila MOA. Histopathological review of breast cancer in Kano, Nigeria. BMC Res Notes. 2019; 12:607. doi:10.1186/s13104‑019‑4679‑1
- WHO Classification of Tumours Editorial Board. Breast Tumours, WHO Classification of Tumours, 5th ed. Lyon: IARC Press; 2019.
- Rakha EA, Ellis IO. Modern classification of breast cancer: Should histologic type be replaced? Breast Cancer Res. 2010;12(4):314. doi:10.1186/bcr2637
- Der EM, Awal S, Sherif M. Breast malignancies in northern Ghana: a seven-year histopathological review at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (2013–2019). Postgrad Med J Ghana. 2022;10(2):110–118.
- Galukande M, Wabinga H, Mirembe F, Karamagi C, Laye MA, Adjei E, et al. Molecular breast cancer subtypes prevalence in an African setting: a Uganda study. BMC Cancer. 2014; 14:753. doi:10.1186/1471‑2407‑14‑753
- Chukwuemeka AO, Emegoakor FC, Ezegwui IR, Okonkwo CC, Anyanwu SNC. Histopathologic pattern of breast cancer in Enugu, Nigeria: a 10-year retrospective review. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2021;11(3):162–167.
- Bray F, Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Siegel RL, Torre LA, Jemal A, et al. Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates for incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(6):394–424. doi:10.3322/caac.21492
- Jedy‑Agba E, Oga E, Odutola M, Abdullahi YM, Popoola A, Balogun O, et al. Developing national cancer registration in developing countries: case study of the Nigerian National System of Cancer Registries. Front Public Health. 2015; 3:186. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2015.00186
- Torre LA, Siegel RL, Ward EM, Jemal A. Global cancer incidence and mortality rates and trends—an update. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2016;25(1):16–27. doi:10.1158/1055‑9965.EPI‑15‑0578
- (Duplicate of #7 – see above)
- Adebamowo CA, Ajayi OO. Breast cancer in Nigeria. West Afr J Med. 2000;19(3):179–191. PMID:11191475
- Okobia MN, Bunker CH, Okonofua FE, Osime U. Knowledge, attitude and practice of Nigerian women towards breast cancer: a cross‑sectional study. World J Surg Oncol. 2006; 4:11. doi:10.1186/1477‑7819‑4‑11
- Youlden DR, Cramb SM, Yip CH, Baade PD, Aitken JF, Gardiner RA, et al. Incidence and mortality of female breast cancer in the Asia‑Pacific region. Cancer Biol Med. 2014;11(2):101–115. PMCID: PMC4069805
- Siegel RL, Miller KD, Fuchs HE, Jemal A, Ma J, et al. Cancer statistics, 2023. CA Cancer J Clin. 2023;73(1):17–48. doi:10.3322/caac.21708
- Wabinga H, Parkin DM, Wabwire‑Mangen F, Nambooze S, Johnson CF, et al. Trends in cancer incidence in Kyadondo County, Uganda, 1960–1997. Br J Cancer. 2000;82(9):1585–1592. doi:10.1054/bjoc.1999.1082
- Anyanwu SNC, Okoro AN, Okechukwu CN, et al. Breast cancer in eastern Nigeria: a ten‑year review. West Afr J Med. 2000;19(2):120–125.
- Daramola AO, Obiajulu FJN, Anunobi CC, Banjo AAF, Abdulkareem FB, Shaaban AM. Female malignant breast lesions: The Lagos University Teaching Hospital experience (1999–2013). Niger Q J Hosp Med. 2016;26(2):175–180.
- Ekanem VJ, Olu‑Eddo AN, Ojo AO, et al. A ten‑year histopathological review of breast lumps in a Nigerian tertiary health institution. Niger J Gen Pract. 2011;9(2):6–11.
- Akinola RA, Wright KO, Osunfidiya TA, Akinola OI, Arowolo OA, Akinyemi AO. Mammographic screening and diagnostic evaluation of breast cancer in Nigeria: a retrospective study. Niger Postgrad Med J. 2006;13(2):103–107.
- Lakhani SR, Ellis IO, Schnitt SJ, Tan PH, van de Vijver MJ, Tot T, et al., editors. WHO Classification of Tumours of the Breast. 4th ed. Lyon: IARC Press; 2012.
- Rakha EA, El‑Sayed ME, Lee AH, Elston CW, Ellis IO, Robertson JF, et al. Prognostic significance of Nottingham histologic grade in invasive breast carcinoma. J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(19):3153–3158. doi:10.1200/JCO.2007.15.0375
- Lester SC, Tot T, Azzopardi JG, Rosai J, Young RH, Ellis IO, et al. The breast. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, editors. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2020. p.1056–1080.
- Olu‑Eddo AN, Ugiagbe EE, Oghenetega AB, et al. Breast lesions in Benin City, Nigeria: a 25‑year histopathological review of 4599 cases. Niger Med J. 2011;52(4):211–216.
- Thomas JO, Adejuyigbe O, Oseni AO, et al. Histopathology of breast cancer in Nigeria: an overview. Niger Postgrad Med J. 2009;16(3):187–192. PMID:19724941
- Adesunkanmi ARK, Lawal OO, Adelusola KA, Durosimi MA, Olarinoye JK, Alatise OI, et al. The severity, outcome and challenges of breast cancer in Nigeria. Breast. 2006;15(3):399–409. doi: 10.1016/j.breast.2005.06.008
- Gukas ID, Jennings BA, Mandong BM, Igun GO, Manasseh AN, Gotora T, et al. Clinicopathological features and molecular markers of male breast cancer in Jos, Nigeria. Ann Afr Med. 2010;9(3):145–149. doi:10.4103/1596‑3519.68361. PMID:20710109
- Anyanwu SNC, Odo AN, Eze KC, et al. Temporal trends in breast cancer presentation and outcome in Nigeria. J Surg Oncol. 2008;97(6):506–509. doi:10.1002/jso.21036. PMID:18241065
- Adebamowo CA, Adekunle OO, Akang EE, et al. Case-controlled study of the epidemiological risk factors for breast cancer in Nigeria. Br J Surg. 1999;86(5):665–668. doi:10.1046/j.1365‑2168.1999.01086. x. PMID:10361188
- Ibrahim NA, Arowolo OA, Yusuf BM, Adeniji KA, Oludara MA, Onwotere ME, et al. Pattern of breast cancer presentation in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Niger Med J. 2013;54(4):261–264.
- Echejoh GO, Dzuachi DO, Jenrola AA. Histopathological analysis of breast cancers, including lymphoma, in Makurdi, north‑central Nigeria (1997–2006). J Med Trop. 2009;11(2):45–50.
- Jedy‑Agba E, Curado MP, Ogunbiyi O, Oga E, Fabowale T, Igbinoba F, et al. Cancer incidence in Nigeria: a report from population‑based cancer registries. Cancer Epidemiol. 2012;36(5): e271–e278. doi: 10.1016/j.canep.2012.07.005
- Rebbeck TR, Burns‑White K, Simonds NI, Nichols HB, Davis ME, DeMichele A, et al. Precision prevention and early detection of breast cancer: consensus statement from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2018;11(1):1–20. doi:10.1158/1940‑6207.CAPR‑17‑0378
- Awogbayila M, Onasoga O, Jibril U, Olukoyede O, Orok E, Enaruna M, et al. Assessment of breast cancer risk perception, knowledge, and breast self‑examination practices among market women in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. BMC Women’s Health. 2023; 23:556. doi:10.1186/s12905‑023‑02626‑9
- Ntirenganya F, Sando Z, Ntakiyiruta G, Muvunyi CM, Makuza JD, Nsanzimana S, et al. Breast cancer characteristics and treatment outcomes in Rwanda: a retrospective study. World J Surg. 2014;38(8):1891–1897. doi:10.1007/s00268‑014‑2509‑9
- Kantelhardt EJ, Moelle U, Begoihn M, Schreer I, Wacker J, Vetter M, et al. Breast cancer survival in sub‑Saharan Africa: a hospital‑based study from Ethiopia. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2014;147(2):367–373. doi:10.1007/s10549‑014‑3106‑z
- Bird PA, Hill AG, Houssami N, Leddy R, Lowry SJ, Kelly AM. Poor reliability of clinical breast examination: implications for breast cancer screening in low‑income countries. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2008;110(3):407–412. doi:10.1007/s10549‑008‑9837‑7
- Deressa BT, Hadush LT, Gebremichael MA, Teklu S, Woldeyohannes D, Getaneh G, et al. Clinicopathological and treatment patterns of breast cancer in Ethiopia: a hospital‑based study. BMC Womens Health. 2022;22(1):312. doi:10.1186/s12905‑022‑01796‑x
- Giordano SH, Cohen DS, Buzdar AU, Perkins GH, Hortobagyi GN, Kau SW, et al. A review of the diagnosis and management of male breast cancer. Oncologist. 2005;10(7):471–479. doi:10.1634/theoncologist.10‑7‑471
- Diop M, Niang A, Seck MC, Ndiaye A, Fall S, Gueye LB, et al. Clinical and histological features of male breast cancer in Senegal: a retrospective study of 94 cases. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2011;130(2):433–438. doi:10.1007/s10549‑011‑1566‑0
- Gombet TR, Mouelle‑Sone A, Boumba LM, Akpona MS, Ndoja S, Omategene D, et al. Epidemiology and histopathological aspects of male breast cancer in Congo. J Afr Cancer. 2012;4(1):35–39. doi:10.4314/jac. v4i1.5
- Togo DM, Mbah N, Ogo CN, Nwaiwu OC, Ogbonna CC, Ukponmwan O, et al. Male breast cancer in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: a 10‑year review of 18 cases. Niger J Clin Pract. 2016;19(3):404–407. doi:10.4103/1119‑3077.167710
- Odusanya OO, Lawal OO, Adesunkanmi ARK, Adejuyigbe O, Oluwasola AO, Igbalajobi OS, et al. Comparative study of breast cancer in Nigerian and British women: presentation and treatment outcomes. World J Surg Oncol. 2015; 13:1. doi:10.1186/s12957‑014‑0407‑7
- Olayemi E, Oseni T, Ogun GO, Akinrinlola RN, Oladele AO, Olasehinde O, et al. Male breast cancer in Ibadan: 10‑year review. Niger J Surg. 2020;26(1):1–5.
- Rubagumya F, Costas‑Chavarri A, Manirakiza A, Rulisa S, Murenzi G, Uwinkindi F, et al. State of cancer control in Rwanda: past, present, and future opportunities. JCO Glob Oncol. 2020; 6:195–204. doi:10.1200/JGO.19.00303
- Vanderpuye V, Grover S, Hammad N, Prabhakar P, Simonds H, Olopade F, et al. An update on the management of breast cancer in Africa. Infect Agent Cancer. 2017; 12:13. doi:10.1186/s13027‑017‑0124‑y
- Anderson BO, Yip CH, Smith RA, Shyyan R, Sener SF, Eniu A, et al. Guideline implementation for breast healthcare in low‑ and middle‑income countries: overview of the Breast Health Global Initiative Global Summit 2007. Cancer. 2008;113(Suppl 8):2221–2243. doi:10.1002/cncr.23844
- Mutebi M, Edge J, Odongo J, Okello J, Yip CH, Vanderpuye V, et al. Breast cancer treatment and outcomes in Africa: results from a prospective cohort. Lancet Oncol. 2022;23(6): e251–e259. doi:10.1016/S1470‑2045(22)00191‑0
- Chalya PL, Manyama M, Rambau PF, Kapesa A, Masalu N, Kadallu B, et al. Clinicopathological pattern of breast cancer at Bugando Medical Centre in Northwestern Tanzania. BMC Res Notes. 2013; 6:214. doi:10.1186/1756‑0500‑6‑214
- Akarolo‑Anthony SN, Ogundiran TO, Adebamowo CA, Igbinoba F, Odedina F, Rebbeck TR, et al. Emerging breast cancer epidemic: evidence from Africa. Breast Cancer Res. 2010;12(Suppl 4): S8. doi:10.1186/bcr2737
- Morhason‑Bello IO, Odedina F, Rebbeck TR, Harford J, Dangou JM, Denny L, et al. Challenges and opportunities in cancer control in Africa: a perspective from the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer. Lancet Oncol. 2013;14(4): e142–e151. doi:10.1016/S1470‑2045(12)70482‑5