An Estimate of the Incidence of Prostate Cancer in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is rated the second most common cancer and sixth leading cause of cancer deaths among men globally. Reports show that African men suffer disproportionately from PCa compared to men from other parts of the world. It is still quite difficult to accurately describe the burden of PCa in Africa due to poor cancer registration systems. We systematically reviewed the literature on prostate cancer in Africa and provided a continent-wide incidence rate of PCa based on available data in the region.MethodsA systematic literature search of Medline, EMBASE and Global Health from January 1980 to June 2015 was conducted, with additional search of Google Scholar, International Association of Cancer Registries (IACR), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and WHO African region websites, for studies that estimated incidence rate of PCa in any African location. Having assessed quality and consistency across selected studies, we extracted incidence rates of PCa and conducted a random effects meta-analysis.ResultsOur search returned 9766 records, with 40 studies spreading across 16 African countries meeting our selection criteria. We estimated a pooled PCa incidence rate of 22.0 (95% CI: 19.93–23.97) per 100,000 population, and also reported a median incidence rate of 19.5 per 100,000 population. We observed an increasing trend in PCa incidence with advancing age, and over the main years covered.ConclusionEffective cancer registration and extensive research are vital to appropriately quantifying PCa burden in Africa. We hope our findings may further assist at identifying relevant gaps, and contribute to improving knowledge, research, and interventions targeted at prostate cancer in Africa.

Knowledge of prostate cancer and screening practices among men in Sokoto, Nigeria

“…[1][2][3] A systematic review of estimates of the incidence of cancer among men in Africa reported median prostate cancer incidence rates ranging from 19.5 to 39.0 per 100,000 population. 4 In Nigeria, similar to the situation in other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with evidence of increasing morbidity and mortality from the disease. 5,6 Studies conducted in North-Western Nigeria also reported high burden of prostate cancer.…”

Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals Elevated Tumor Mutational Burden and Initiating Driver Mutations in African Men with Treatment-Naïve, High-Risk Prostate Cancer

“…Along with an increase in mortality rates, African-American men are generally younger at diagnosis, present with higher tumor grade and volume at surgery, and are at a greater potential for metastasis (4). Within Africa, a greater disease burden has been suggested (1,6). The Southern African Prostate Cancer Study (SAPCS) has shown that South African men present with a 2-fold increase in aggressive disease compared with age-adjusted African Americans (7).…”

Incidence of prostate cancer in Eritrea: Data from the National Health Laboratory, Orotta Referral Hospital and Sembel Hospital 2011-2018

“…In Africa, a recent systematic and meta-analytical review reported a continent-wide pooled incidence rate of 22.0 (95% CI: 19.93-23.97) per 100 000 population [5]. The average risk that a man in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) will develop prostate cancer before the age of 75 years is 3.4% [6].…”