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

Eze, C, Swadi, R ORCID: 0000-0002-4016-622X, Ross, K ORCID: 0000-0003-0252-1152 and Sharma, V (2026) Breast Cancer Disparities in African and African-Ancestry Populations: Genetics, Epigenetics, Structural Barriers and Technology-Enabled Solutions. British Journal of Biomedical Science, 83. ISSN 0967-4845

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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:	11 Medical and Health Sciences; Microbiology; 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0254 Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology (including Cancer) R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology T Technology > T Technology (General) > T58.5 Information Technology
Divisions:	Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Publisher:	Frontiers Media
Date of acceptance:	5 February 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	2 March 2026
Date Deposited:	02 Mar 2026 13:33
Last Modified:	02 Mar 2026 13:33
DOI or ID number:	10.3389/bjbs.2026.16013
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28164

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