Cancer remains a major contributor to mortality and hinders the increase in life expectancy worldwide, while stroke and coronary heart disease deaths have seen a global decline compared to cancer mortality rates. There are significant disparities in cancer incidence rates between regions and genders, primarily due to varying exposure to risk factors, cancer types, and early detection and prevention challenges. Egypt experienced the highest rate of new cancer diagnoses and cancer-related fatalities in Africa, with prostate cancer being the most prevalent cancer in men and breast and cervical cancers having the greatest impact on women. In North African countries, breast cancer had greater incidence and fatality rates than cervical cancer, however, the trend was the opposite in sub-Saharan African countries. Nigeria had a high number of new cancer cases and deaths due to limited awareness, restricted access to screening and treatment facilities, and the prevalence of risk factors like infectious diseases, tobacco use, and unhealthy lifestyles. Therefore, African countries, including Nigeria, need to take measures to increase awareness, invest in early detection and screening programs, and improve access to treatment and supportive care.