Maturin Tchoumi: Introducing the Africa Breast Cancer Council – A driver of much-needed change

Maturin Tchoumi, Head of Roche Africa, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“The burden of breast cancer is growing all over Africa. The North Africa and Middle East region is projected to have the greatest increase in all types of cancers in the next decades due to population aging and growth, compared to other World Health Organization (WHO) regions, with breast cancer already the most common cancer diagnosed and one of the leading causes of cancer death in the region.

In sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than 50% of women will be alive five years after a breast cancer diagnosis. It’s a shocking reality, especially compared to the five-year survival rates in high-income countries, which can be up to 90%. A collective force to shape policies and drive change is needed now more than ever.

Why are breast cancer survival rates so low?

There is no single reason for the disparity that exists. It’s a perfect storm of factors that come together to make breast cancer the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in Africa. For example:

• Women’s knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and early symptoms is low and often inaccurate.
• Cultural barriers and widespread stigma also hinder early detection. For example, rural women may associate the disease with witchcraft or seek treatment from traditional healers.
• There is limited access to screening and treatment facilities, which contribute to late diagnosis.
• The patient faces a high cost for breast cancer care, and fear of financial burden can result in women not choosing to follow through with treatment.

The combination of all of these factors results in delayed diagnosis and limited access to treatment. This, in turn, is responsible for catastrophic outcomes for women, their families and, more widely, our African societies and our opportunities to grow and prosper. There is a dire need to take action to close the gap!

Introducing the Breast Cancer Council

Despite the challenges ahead, I find myself filled with hope. Why? Because driving change is a group of eminent African women – economists, First Ladies, former ministers, oncologists and surgeons. Together, they form the Africa Breast Cancer Council, and together, they are committed to championing women’s health across the continent.

The Council will highlight critical gaps that must be addressed to speed up effective breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. These fearless women are working to shape policies in key priority countries and advocate for governments to commit to the resources needed.

In fact, Council member and Co-founder of The Institute for Global Health and Development, Dr. Magda Robalo, spoke to the BBC World Service Radio’s Newsday show (her interview starts at exactly the 49 minute mark) yesterday on breast cancer in Africa and what the Council is doing to drive critical policy changes and improve access to care for women.

As the head of Roche Pharmaceuticals on the Africa continent, it’s a true privilege to champion such an extraordinary group of women and their plans for improving the breast cancer landscape across Africa. At Roche, we’re proud to support the Council in working towards achieving the World Health Organization’s global breast cancer roadmap. By 2030, we hope to achieve:

• 60% of breast cancer diagnosed at stage 1 or 2 (currently 30%)
• Women to connect with a primary health care provider within 60 days of symptom recognition (currently 183 days)
• 80% of women to receive high-quality care (currently 35%)

With the launch of the Africa Breast Cancer Council and the dedication of these women that I’ve seen firsthand, I’m confident that we’re closer to changing the outcomes for more African women with breast cancer than ever before.”

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