Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in the WHO African Region. Most cases are still diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment is more complex, more costly and less effective. These late diagnoses stem from limited awareness of early symptoms, barriers to timely diagnostic services, weak referral systems and gaps in continuity of care.
This manual supports implementation of the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI). In line with WHO recommendations for settings with limited access to advanced diagnostic and treatment services, it emphasises early diagnosis of symptomatic women rather than population-based screening, with particular attention to feasibility in low-resource settings.
What the manual covers
- Clinical breast assessment (CBA) at primary health care level.
- Referral workup for suspected breast cancer.
- Patient navigation and continuity of care.
By equipping frontline health workers with clear clinical pathways, decision-support tools and referral guidance, the manual strengthens the continuum of breast cancer care from the community and primary care levels through to diagnostic and treatment services.
It is addressed to Member States, health managers and frontline providers as a practical tool to strengthen breast cancer services within primary health care.
