Breast cancer in Nigeria, current evidence and pathways to scale early detection

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Nigerian women and a leading cause of cancer death. The national burden continues to grow amid late presentation, limited organized screening, and fragmented pathways to diagnosis and treatment. Drawing on global guidance and Nigerian evidence, this narrative review synthesizes the epidemiology of breast cancer in Nigeria, appraises screening modalities (clinical breast examination, mammography, and adjunct tools), examines barriers to uptake, and outlines practical, resource aligned strategies for early detection. Recent national policy steps—including the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan (NSCCP) 2023–2027 and the growing role of National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT)—offer an enabling frame, but implementation hinges on financing, workforce development, primary care integration, and data systems. A convergent model—anchoring breast health awareness, risk assessment, CBE in primary care, diagnostic mammography/ultrasound hubs, and patient navigation in secondary (including specialist hospitals) and tertiary health facilities —is most feasible in the near term. We propose measurable targets aligned with the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative to shift diagnosis to earlier stages and reduce mortality.