A Wits University study has identified two new breast cancer genes in black women, which is a significant breakthrough in understanding how the disease develops in African populations.

Researchers say these genes have not been associated with the disease before. They say genetic factors contribute to 30% of breast cancer cases in South Africa, necessitating investment in genomic research in women of African ancestry.

The prevalence of cancer within black communities in the country is a pressing health concern, from cervical and breast to prostate cancers, and the limited access to healthcare facilities impacts awareness and treatment.

33-year-old Minky Maine from Lebotlwane village in the North West survived breast cancer. It was while pursuing her tertiary studies in 2010 that it was detected. And it remains the scariest moment of her life.

She says she didn’t have any prior information about the disease, but through a wellness programme held at their varsity, she tested one day and was diagnosed with left breast cancer. She got the lump successfully removed before the cancer could spread to other parts of her body. Maine underlines the importance of raising awareness and early detection as being most crucial in addressing this scourge.

Mothupi Malebye, also from the same village, initiated a non-profit organisation to help his community after losing four family members to cancer.

Malebye says he initiated the Saving Lives Foundation after his personal tragedy and also realised the gap existed, which was a barrier for most of his community members to access healthcare facilities. The foundation is now collaborating with the local health department to raise awareness and conduct tests, and provide treatment for those who are diagnosed with this disease.

Hope for early treatment

However, a study published by Wits University scientists may provide some hope for early treatment. The scientists discovered two genetic variants linked to breast cancer in black South African women, which they say is the first to have been done in African women living on the continent.

Scientific researcher, Dr Mahtaab Hayat says these genes have not been associated with the disease before, which is an important advance in understanding breast cancer risk and biology in women of African ancestry.

Breast Cancer | Study finds 2 genetic variants in African women: Dr Mahtaab Hayat

Some numbers

Breast cancer remains the second most common cancer in South Africa and the most common in women globally.

According to the World Health Organisation, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. And 670 000 succumbed to the disease globally.

The WHO’s Global Breast Cancer initiative says it aims to reduce global breast cancer mortality by 2.5% per year.
Thereby averting two point five million deaths globally between 2020 and 2040.

With these staggering figures, Wits researchers say their study may assist in detecting new risk factors waiting to be uncovered, especially in far-flung communities like this one.