Experiences of women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

Abstract

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Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and a principal cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. The experience of living with breast cancer is individualized and shaped by sociocultural factors. Its adverse effects extend beyond the socioeconomic status of the affected individuals, influencing their emotions, psychology, and physical well-being. This review aimed to identify and synthesize data exploring the experiences of women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched for articles published on the subject from inception to March 2022, following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Additionally, forward citation tracking, manual reference searches, and the examination of relevant journals were conducted. A thematic synthesis was performed on the ‘Results’ sections (or equivalent) of the identified qualitative articles, followed by a multisource synthesis incorporating quantitative findings.

Results: Of 10 637 records identified, 52 were included in the review (23 qualitative studies and 29 quantitative studies), representing 6964 women from 10 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Thematic synthesis revealed 4 major themes and 10 subthemes. The major themes were ‘Could I have cancer?’, ‘Now what?’, ‘Living with the scars’, and ‘Coping with breast cancer’.

Conclusions: This review offers insights into the reported experiences and quality of life of women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. These experiences are influenced by factors such as family and community support, culture, and beliefs. The findings suggest that encouraging and providing comprehensive support—social, financial, and spiritual—to women with breast cancer could significantly enhance their quality of life.