Lung cancer is a growing concern in sub-Saharan Africa, with the region witnessing an alarming rise in cases. Despite being the deadliest cancer globally, lung cancer seems to be underreported and undertreated in many African countries.
The statistics are stark – 1.8 million people die from lung cancer every year, yet the disease is often misdiagnosed or left untreated due to lack of resources and training for healthcare providers. In South Africa, where smoking rates are higher than in neighboring countries, lung cancer is a major problem, particularly among those living in poverty-stricken areas.
The situation is further complicated by systemic undercounting, with many countries lacking reliable data on births, deaths, and causes of death. This makes it difficult to track the spread of the disease and identify areas that need intervention.
Experts argue that timely diagnosis and screening are key to preventing lung cancer deaths. However, even in South Africa’s well-resourced Western Cape province, where healthcare is generally of high quality, most patients with advanced lung cancer are diagnosed too late to receive effective treatment.
The root cause of the problem lies in the widespread use of tobacco products, which account for nearly three-quarters of lung cancer deaths worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, rising smoking rates pose a significant threat to public health, particularly in areas like Khayelitsha, where tobacco companies aggressively market their products to vulnerable communities.
To address this crisis, experts recommend increasing public health awareness and implementing comprehensive anti-smoking campaigns and regulations. However, the process is often hindered by pressure from tobacco companies and limited resources.
Recent research suggests that lung cancer screening using chest x-rays and artificial intelligence might be feasible in sub-Saharan Africa, offering a more realistic and scalable solution for detection and treatment.
Ultimately, change requires better data collection, comprehensive cancer registries, and a universal death registration system. As Dr. Kelechi Okonta notes, “With adequate record keeping and follow-up of patients, we can solve this.”
Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/08/12/g-s1-77203/lung-cancer-africa