MUSEFA KEDIR2026-02-062023-11https://etd.hu.edu.et/handle/123456789/735In the 21st century, cancer, specifically breast cancer is expected to be a leading cause of mortality, affecting people under 70 in many countries. Among the commonly reported cancer types, female breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer globally. It is the second most common cause of death for women in Africa and stands as the most common form of cancer affecting women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The aim of this finding is to identify breast cancer risk factors in Sub- Saharan Africa by using systematic review and meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic search of international databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Google engi ne to collect relevant studies from 2000 to March 2023. The random-effects model in R software was employed to estimate pooled odds ratios at a 5% significance level. Publication bias was assessed using Egger and Funnel plot methods, with adjustments made using the Trim and Fill method. A sensitivity analysis was performed to ensure the model's robustness and stability in data analysis. This study analyzed a total of 24 articles, including 22 case–control, 1 cross-sectional, and 1 cohort study, with a combined participant count of 17,321. The findings revealed several variables associated with an increased risk of breast cancer: like positive family history of breast cancer (OR=1.87, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.21), alcohol consumption (OR=1.47, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.96), postmenopausal status of the patients, (OR=1.36, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.81), lower educational level (vs. university level) (OR=1.36, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.70), and residing in an urban area (OR=0.54, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.95) reduced the risk of breast cancer. variables like ever breastfeeding, early age at menarche, physical exercise, BMI, oral contraceptive use and smoking status had no statistically significant association with breast cancer. Theis systematic review and meta-analysis enhance our understanding of breast cancer risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa. The study identified significant association between educational level, residence, alcohol consumption, family history of breast cancer, and menopausal status, while other variables did not link to breast cancer significantly. Smoking also did not display a statistically significant association. This underscores the importa nce of rising awareness about major risk factors, such as education, residence, alcohol intake, fa mily history, and menopausal status, to inform decision making and encourage preventive action like reducing alcohol consumption and adhering to regular screenig.en-USBreast cancerRisk factorssystematic reviewMeta-analysissub-Sahara AfricaThesis