Cancer Risk Factors Associated With Females In South Sudan

Female cancers in South Sudan represent a growing public health challenge driven by biological, reproductive, behavioural, and health-system factors. This study assessed the burden and associated risk factors of breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers among women in South Sudan. Findings from Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations between female cancers and poor reproductive healthcare, persistent HPV infection, low screening uptake, poverty, weak health infrastructure, limited awareness, and delayed healthcare-seeking behaviour. Women were found to be at substantially higher risk due to biological susceptibility, gender inequality, low HPV vaccination coverage, and inadequate cancer-control services. Preventive practices such as routine screening, HPV vaccination, treatment follow-up, and healthcare utilization were associated with improved outcomes, although access to these services remains limited. The study further identified major psychological, social, and financial burdens linked to cancer diagnosis. Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen national cancer-control programs, expand HPV vaccination and screening services, improve public awareness, and enhance oncology care to reduce female cancer morbidity and mortality in South Sudan.