Abstract

Breast cancer and hypertension are two of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases affecting African women, 
with rising incidence and substantial public health impact. Emerging evidence suggests these conditions share 
epidemiological linkages, including overlapping risk factors, co-morbidity patterns, and complex biological 
interactions. Lifestyle behaviors such as obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and alcohol consumption, along 
with hormonal, reproductive, and socioeconomic determinants, contribute to both diseases and their co-occurrence. 
Hypertension may increase susceptibility to breast cancer, while breast cancer treatments can exacerbate 
cardiovascular risks, complicating clinical management. Despite these interactions, data from African populations 
remain limited, and integrated care strategies are rarely implemented. This review examines the shared 
determinants, prevalence trends, co-morbidity patterns, and public health implications of hypertension and breast 
cancer among African women. Understanding these linkages is crucial for developing culturally appropriate 
prevention, early detection, and integrated management approaches that improve outcomes, reduce morbidity and 
mortality, and strengthen healthcare systems in resource-limited African contexts.