Darius Benimana, SCORE Regional Assistant for Africa at IFMSA, Director at Medcancer Initiative Rwanda, and Global Health University (GHU) coordinator at GlobeMed, shared on LinkedIn:
“Lung Cancer in a Crisis: An African Approach to Fighting a Global Health Burden
As the burden of non-communicable diseases continues to rise globally, cancer is projected to claim nearly 20 million lives annually by 2030. According to data published in Wiley journals, the five most common cancers worldwide are lung cancer (2.5 million cases), breast cancer (2.3 million), colorectal cancer (1.9 million), prostate cancer (1.5 million), and stomach cancer (1.0 million).
Across Africa, efforts to control cancer are increasingly focused on three major pillars: primary prevention, early detection, and local infrastructure development. However, one of the deadliest and most overlooked cancers on the continent remains lung cancer, the leading cancer worldwide in terms of incidence and one of the most fatal.
Lung cancer is broadly classified into two major types: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). The disease results from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs, usually beginning in the air sacs or airways. While smoking, both active and passive, remains the leading cause of lung cancer, other important risk factors include prolonged exposure to radon gas and occupational exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, arsenic, and diesel exhaust, particularly in mining and industrial settings.
In Africa, smoking, increasing air pollution, late diagnosis, and limited screening programs are contributing to a growing and underdiagnosed lung cancer crisis. Northern and Southern Africa currently carry a higher burden compared to East and West Africa. Although several countries have expanded cancer screening initiatives, most programs largely focus on breast and cervical cancers, and in some cases prostate cancer. Lung cancer screening, however, remains significantly neglected.
One major challenge is the limited availability of Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scanners, which are considered the gold standard for lung cancer screening. High costs, inadequate infrastructure, and the absence of national screening programs continue to restrict access to early diagnosis and effective care.
To confront this growing crisis, African countries must prioritize national epidemiological studies, establish sustainable screening programs, strengthen prevention campaigns, and improve surveillance systems. Cancer registries already established in several countries can play a critical role in helping health systems allocate resources, monitor outcomes, and understand the true magnitude of the disease.
Addressing lung cancer in Africa requires collective action. Policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, young people, elderly populations, civil society organizations, and governments must work together to promote interdisciplinary and community-driven solutions. Through collaboration, awareness, and investment in prevention and early detection, Africa can move toward a future with fewer lung cancer cases and improved survival outcomes.”
Other articles featuring Darius Benimana on OncoDaily.