Men’s Roles and Support, Knowledge, Management, Perception and Attitudes Towards Women with Breast and Cervical Cancer in Africa: Systematic Review

Breast and cervical cancers remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women in Africa, where sociocultural norms and gender dynamics strongly influence health-seeking behavior and access to care. Men often play a central role in household decision-making, financial support, and emotional caregiving, yet their involvement in women’s cancer prevention and management has received limited scholarly attention. This systematic review examines men’s roles and support, knowledge, management practices, perceptions, and attitudes toward women with breast and cervical cancer in African settings. Using established systematic review guidelines, relevant peer-reviewed studies conducted in Africa were identified, screened, and analyzed. The review synthesizes evidence on men’s awareness and understanding of breast and cervical cancer, their influence on women’s screening and treatment decisions, their caregiving and financial support roles, and prevailing sociocultural beliefs that shape attitudes toward cancer diagnosis and management. Barriers to male involvement, including limited knowledge, stigma, gender norms, and health system constraints, are also explored. The findings reveal significant variability in men’s knowledge and attitudes, with both supportive and obstructive influences on women’s cancer care. While some men actively facilitate access to screening and treatment, others contribute to delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes due to misinformation, fear, or sociocultural misconceptions. The review highlights critical gaps in male-inclusive cancer education and intervention strategies. This systematic review underscores the importance of engaging men as key stakeholders in breast and cervical cancer prevention and management in Africa. Integrating male-focused education and community-based interventions may enhance early detection, treatment adherence, and overall outcomes for women affected by these cancers.