Breast cancer survival in Ghana: median OS 4.4 years, 5-year rate 46.5%New data shows breast cancer survival rates in Ghana

Cancer epidemiology Published August 2, 2026 Study authors: Darko Kwadwo, Ajayi-Majebi Grace, Marfo Kweku, Agbemavi-Kudufia Lois Afia, Hagan Harriette R, Nsaful… PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Sofia Müller, MD · Lifespan & Whole-Person Care

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Key Takeaway

Interpret breast cancer survival estimates in Ghana cautiously due to heterogeneity and potential bias.

This meta-analysis pooled observational studies to estimate breast cancer survival in Ghana. Data from 2114 patients across major referral centers in four regions (Greater Accra, Eastern, Ashanti, and Volta) were analyzed. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), with a secondary outcome of 5-year survival rate.

The pooled median OS was 4.4 years (95% CI: 4.0-5.0). The pooled 5-year survival rate was 46.5%. However, there was substantial heterogeneity across studies, with 5-year OS rates ranging from 1.6% to 78.8%.

The authors noted significant limitations, including substantial heterogeneity and potential immortal time bias in one included study. These factors may affect the reliability of the pooled estimates.

Given the observational nature of the included studies, these findings represent associations, not causal effects. The results provide a baseline estimate of breast cancer survival in Ghana but should be interpreted with caution.

Practice relevance: This analysis underscores the need for improved survival reporting and stronger population-based cancer registries in Ghana to better inform clinical care and public health strategies.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis provides a population-level estimate of breast cancer survival in Ghana, complementing prior coverage that focused on specific interventions or risk factors. It extends the evidence base by quantifying survival outcomes in a West African setting, which contrasts with the predominantly trial-based evidence from higher-resource settings. The finding of a 5-year survival rate of 46.5% highlights a gap in outcomes compared to settings with earlier detection and broader treatment access. The substantial heterogeneity and potential bias noted align with prior cautions about interpreting observational data.

Knowing how long a person can live after a breast cancer diagnosis is vital for families and doctors alike. New data from major referral centers in Ghana provides a clearer picture of these outcomes, helping experts understand the current landscape of care in the region.

The analysis looked at 2,114 patients across four different regions. The findings show that the median survival time for those with breast cancer is 4.4 years. Additionally, about 46.5% of patients reached the five-year mark after their diagnosis.

While these numbers provide a helpful baseline, there are some important notes to keep in mind. Because the data came from different sources, there was a lot of variation in the results. One specific study also had a potential timing bias that could affect the accuracy of the overall figures. These findings highlight why better tracking systems for cancer patients are so important.

What this means for you:

The median survival for breast cancer patients in Ghana is 4.4 years, with a 5-year survival rate of 46.5%.

Common questions

What is the average survival time for breast cancer in Ghana?

The data shows that the median overall survival for patients with breast cancer in Ghana is 4.4 years (with a 95% confidence interval of 4.0 to 5.0). This number helps doctors understand the typical timeline for patients in these specific regions.

What percentage of patients survive at least five years?

The study found that the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer patients in Ghana is 46.5%. This means nearly half of the patients reached the five-year mark after their diagnosis.

How reliable are these specific survival numbers?

While the data provides a clear estimate, there was significant variation between different studies included in the analysis. One study also had a potential timing bias, so these figures should be viewed as an estimate of current conditions rather than a guarantee for every individual.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

Sample sizen = 2,114

EvidenceLevel 1

Follow-up567.6 mo

PublishedAug 2026

PMID42217387

View Original Abstract ↓

OBJECTIVE: To estimate overall survival among patients with breast cancer in Ghana by synthesizing time-to-event data from published studies using reconstructed individual patient data. METHODS: We conducted a search of PubMed, SCOPUS and Embase for studies published from inception to November 28, 2025. Eligible studies directly provided Kaplan-Meier survival curves for overall survival (OS) for patients with breast cancer. Pseudo-individual patient data were digitized from published survival curves using WebPlotDigitizer, and survival curves were reconstructed with the IPDfromKM method and a one-stage Cox proportional hazards model with random effects was used to pool survival estimates. Exploratory meta-regression analyses were performed to assess sources of heterogeneity. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD420251243132. RESULTS: Six observational studies (2114 patients) conducted across major referral centers in four regions of Ghana (Greater Accra, Eastern, Ashanti, and Volta) met inclusion. The mean age was 47.3 years, with most patients presenting with stage III disease (47.2%). The pooled median OS was 4.4 years (95% CI: 4.0-5.0), and the estimated 5-year survival rate was 46.5%. Substantial heterogeneity in survival outcomes was observed across studies, with 5-year OS ranging from 1.6% to 78.8%. Meta-regression identified median follow-up as a significant moderator of mortality rates accounting for 89.46% of between-study heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: This study provides an estimate of breast cancer survival in Ghana and shows poor long-term breast cancer survival in Ghana, although interpretation should be cautious given the substantial heterogeneity across studies and potential immortal time bias in one included study. These findings highlight the need for improved survival reporting, and stronger population-based cancer registries to better benchmark outcomes and guide breast cancer control efforts in Ghana.

Breast cancer survival in Ghana: median OS 4.4 years, 5-year rate 46.5%New data shows breast cancer survival rates in Ghana

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

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