article · Western Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality among women globally, with increasing incidence observed across sub-Saharan Africa. Although timely and accurate diagnosis is critical for effective management, access to sophisticated diagnostic tools remains unequal. Advances between 2020 and 2025 have improved diagnostic precision through innovations in digital mammography, contrast-enhanced MRI, elastography, and artificial intelligence-assisted imaging. Simultaneously, molecular biomarkers and liquid biopsy technologies, such as circulating tumour DNA and exosomal assays, have improved early detection, monitoring, and treatment stratification. Integrating imaging with molecular datasets into hybrid pathways presents opportunities for minimally invasive, personalised care. However, overcoming persistent regional disparities requires substantial investment in local infrastructure and capacity building to deploy these solutions in resource-constrained environments.
Early detection directly determines breast cancer survival, yet diagnostic access remains profoundly unequal between high-income and resource-limited regions. Reviewing recent technological improvements in artificial intelligence, imaging, and molecular diagnostics highlights where modern tools can be deployed. Understanding these innovations helps health systems in sub-Saharan Africa identify viable pathways to modernise oncology care and address rising cancer mortality.
The reviewed technologies, including artificial intelligence imaging tools, liquid biopsy assays, and hybrid diagnostic platforms, are designed for use by clinical diagnostics providers and hospital systems. While these tools are applied or near-market in well-resourced health systems, their translation to low- and middle-income settings remains at an early stage. Real-world adoption in these regions requires adapted, cost-effective formats supported by targeted infrastructure and clinical training.
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ABSTRACT Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy and a leading cause of cancer mortality among women globally, with rising incidence across sub-Saharan Africa. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for improving outcomes, yet access to advanced diagnostic tools remains uneven. This review synthesizes recent advances in breast cancer diagnostic modalities, emphasizing innovations from 2020 to 2025 and their potential application in low- and middle-income settings. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for recent studies on imaging, molecular diagnostics, biomarkers, and artificial intelligence in breast cancer detection and characterization. Emphasis was placed on comparative findings from global, regional (sub-Saharan African), and Nigerian studies. Emerging diagnostic tools such as digital mammography, contrast-enhanced MRI, elastography, and AI-assisted imaging have significantly improved sensitivity and specificity. Molecular biomarkers and liquid biopsy technologies, including circulating tumor DNA and exosomal assays, are enhancing early detection, disease monitoring, and treatment stratification. Hybrid diagnostic pathways integrating imaging and molecular data show promise for personalized, minimally invasive diagnostics. Modern advances are revolutionizing breast cancer diagnosis, but regional disparities persist. Strengthening infrastructure, capacity building, and the integration of hybrid diagnostic approaches are essential to achieve equitable breast cancer detection and management, particularly in resource-limited regions.
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DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18112438
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