Breast Cancer Disparities in African and African-Ancestry Populations: Genetics, Epigenetics, Structural Barriers and Technology-Enabled Solutions

Eze, Chika, Swadi, Rasha, Ross, Kehinde and Sharma, Vijay ORCID: 0000-0001-5848-8799 (2026) Breast Cancer Disparities in African and African-Ancestry Populations: Genetics, Epigenetics, Structural Barriers and Technology-Enabled Solutions BRITISH JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE, 83. 16013-. ISSN 0967-4845, 2474-0896

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Abstract

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women globally, with disproportionately high incidence, aggressive subtypes and poor outcomes in African and African-ancestry populations. While inherited BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations drive hereditary risk, recent evidence highlights the critical role of BRCA1 promoter methylation especially in sporadic and triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), which disproportionately affect African-descended women. This review synthesises the genetic and epigenetic landscape of breast cancer susceptibility in African and diaspora cohorts, emphasising unique mutation spectra, elevated BRCA1 methylation frequencies and their prognostic/treatment implications. Systemic barriers including limited screening infrastructure, workforce shortages, structural racism, and cultural challenges exacerbate late diagnosis and inequities. We evaluate emerging solutions such as telemedicine, AI-enhanced diagnostics, and mobile platforms, alongside the need for context-specific research and investment to integrate molecular insights with innovative health system interventions. This synthesis underscores the urgency of addressing biological and structural drivers to close breast cancer outcome gaps in Africa and similar low- and middle-income settings.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	African ancestry, <italic>BRCA</italic>1 methylation, breast cancer (BC), health disparities, triple-negative breast cancer
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences > School of Medicine
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	02 Mar 2026 09:39
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 12:03
DOI:	10.3389/bjbs.2026.16013
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3197232
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