Article In Press : Article / Volume 3, Issue 2

Burden, Issues and Prospects of Prostate Cancer in Nigeria: A Review of Studies

Egere Eustace1Ogbonna Brian O*2

1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Madonna University Elele, River State

2Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

3International Institute for Health Policy, Systems and Knowledge Translation, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu Nigeria

4Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, David Umahi University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Nigeria

Correspondng Author:

Ogbonna Brian O*

Citation:

Egere Eustace C and Ogbonna Brian O., (2024). Burden, Issues and Prospects of Prostate Cancer in Nigeria: A Review of Studies. Archives of Gynaecology and Women Health. 3(2); DOI: 10.58489/2836-497X/027

Copyright:

© 2024 Ogbonna Brian O, this is an open-access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

  • Received Date: 04-11-2024   
  • Accepted Date: 11-11-2024   
  • Published Date: 23-11-2024
Abstract Keywords:

Incidence, epidemiology, prostrate cancer, review, Public Health, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer has constituted a big public health challenge, evidenced and characterised by increasingly high incidence and prevalence rates.

Objective: This study narratively reviewed the incidence, prevalence, burden, issues and prospects of prostrate cancer in Nigeria to generate evidence for policy and planning.

Methods: The research was a narrative review of all studies conducted on the incidence, prevalence, burden, issues, and prospect of prostrate cancer in Nigeria from 1970 to 2023.

Overall, total of 139 articles were obtained, 79 from Pubmed, 35 from ResearchGate and 10 from Google Scholar. After a thorough evaluation, 55 duplicate articles were screened out, and 50 articles were also excluded for not covering the scope of incidence, prevalence, burden, issues, and prospect of prostate cancer in Nigeria. A total of 33 articles were used for the study. Data were summarized and presented in evidence-based tables.

Results: The studies obtained were predominantly retrospective and cross-sectional studies. Most of the studies were carried out between 2010 to 2023. Prostate cancer screening uptake was hampered by socioeconomic constraints and poor risk perception. Early detection might be enhanced by population-based PSA screening, however economics must be considered.

Conclusion: The increase in the rates of incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer from 1970 to 2023 makes it necessary to call for strategic health policymakers for immediate interventions to stop the trends. These trends are largely affected by lifestyle factors, age, and poor information in the awareness of the disease.

Introduction

Prostate cancer is among the most, if not the most common, cancers in men in the country, with a high morbidity and mortality. From systematic review studies, the incidence of this disease is more than 127 cases per 100,000 men annually and is expected to rise as a result of increasing life expectancy and urbanization. For decades now, prostate cancer has constituted a big public health challenge, evidenced and characterised by increasingly high incidence and prevalence rates [1-3]. These projections have become very necessary to understanding the basic factors that lead to the burden and issues, including cultural, socio-economic, and healthcare-related concerns. Several studies have shown that the prevalence of prostate cancer is the most common among men, accounting for more than 18.2% of all diagnosed cancers in men [4]. Corroborating this, the Nigerian National Cancer Registry has reported the high prevalence and high mortality, with an estimation yearly death rate of about 20,000 [1,5]. This high figure invariably implies the need for early screening, detection, and proper diagnosis to manage this disease.

In spite of the high prevalence and burden of prostrate cancer, awareness and knowledge of this disease are significantly low in Nigeria. This shows that a lot of people, particularly men, are not aware of this disease, these screening methods, and this diagnosis. Only 5% of the findings are confirmed in specific regions of the country [6,7]. This low awareness has some cultural belief systems in various communities and hinders victims from seeking medical attention early enough until the disease has come to an advanced stage [6,8]. At this stage, symptoms deteriorate and complications set in, leading to low survival rates [1,9].

The poor healthcare system in Nigeria has invariably contributed to the high burden of prostrate cancer. These include resource constraints, infrastructural limitations, inadequately trained healthcare personnel and poor diagnostic and screening tools that lead to poor management and follow-up [1,10]. Good awareness through screening programs for early detection and diagnosis is lacking in the country [5,11] This deficiency of awareness, detection, and late diagnosis has led to severe symptoms, weak prognosis, and treatment failures. Although cancer care has been integrated into primary healthcare, accessibility to early interventions and screening has been inadequate [2,5].

The socioeconomic implications of the disease in Nigeria are deeply felt, as communities and families are badly affected by this public health challenge. The financial implications and burdens are consequently overwhelming where the low-income groups and the under-served are deeply affected [5,12]. More so, the loss of productivity and the cost of illness and premature deaths have led to decreased economic output at both the household and national levels [13-16]. The cost of cancer management has been found to increase with population growth; hence, there is a need to address these needs very urgently and avert possible mortalities.

A recent study has shown that a community in Anambra State in the south-eastern part of Nigeria had demonstrated a strong desire to pay for a screening test PSA (Prostrate Specific Anlagen) and undergo a screening exercise for the early detection and treatment, which can invariably enhance both economic and health outcomes [1]. Properly planned collaborative efforts involving international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the government can proffer solutions to these inherent challenges of prostate cancer in Nigeria[17-20]. This can be done through partnering in the areas of funding, creating awareness and strategies for good screening exercises and treatment guidelines, thereby reducing the socio-economic burdens very considerably.

Research Question

  1. What is the pattern and demographics in the incidence and prevalence of prostrate cancer in Nigeria from 1970 to 2023?
  2. What are the basic burden parameters inherent with prostrate cancer in Nigeria vis-à-vis socio-economic, cultural, and health care-related influences?
  3. What are the possible barriers and challenges facing prostrate cancer patients as they concern timely detection, screening, and diagnosis with effective treatment in Nigeria?
  4. What prospects exist for enhancing and creating prostate cancer awareness in Nigeria?

Methods

Study area: This narrative review covered published studies carried out in Nigeria from 1970 to 2023 on incidence, prevalence, burden, issues, and prospect of prostrate cancer. 

Literature Search Strategy

Databases: A comprehensive review was conducted using multiple databases to cover a broad collection of literature from PubMed, ResearchGate and Google Scholar.

Study design: The research was a narrative review of all studies conducted on the incidence, prevalence, burden, issues, and prospect of prostrate cancer in Nigeria from 1970 to 2023.

Study Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  1. Studies carried from 1970 to 2023
  2. Peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and policy papers
  3. Literature that focused on Nigeria only
  4. Studies that addressed the incidence, prevalence, burden, issues, and prospects of prostate cancer

Exclusion Criteria

  1. Articles not written in English
  2. Studies not within the defined timeframe
  3. Studies without complete data and flaws in methods were eliminated.

Article Search Process

Search Terms:

"Prostate Cancer" AND Incidence

Prostrate cancer AND prevalence

"Prostatic Carcinoma" AND Burden

"Prostate Cancer" AND Risk Factors

Boolean Operators: Boolean operators were utilised (AND, OR, NOT) as a proper combination of keywords. For instance, prostate cancer” AND “Nigeria”

Abstracts of relevant publications were screened. A computerised systematic search of all research works on prostate cancer published in PubMed, ResearchGate and Google Scholar was carried out. A manual search was also conducted for studies that met the inclusion criteria. The search was carried out independently, and only studies that met the criteria for the review were selected. 

Screening and Selection Process: Full-text versions of selected articles were obtained and their relevance based on the inclusion criteria assessed. Also extracted were the key information relevant to the review themes.

Data Extraction: Develop a data extraction format created to systematically capture all the relevant information from each study, which included the following:

Citation: Author(s), year of publication, title, and journal

Study Design: Type of study (e.g., observational, cross-sectional, qualitative)

Setting: Geographical location within Nigeria

Incidence and prevalence rates: statistical data reported

Burden: Impacts on public health, economy, and regulation

Key issues were highlighted: Challenges and barriers in curbing prostate cancer

Prospects: recommendations proffered with solutions suggested by the authors

Article Selection Process

A total of 139 articles were obtained, 79 from Pubmed, 35 from ResearchGate and 10 from Google Scholar. After a thorough evaluation, 55 duplicate articles were screened out, and 50 articles were also excluded for not covering the scope of incidence, prevalence, burden, issues, and prospect of prostate cancer in Nigeria. More screening exercise was carried out for the exclusion of 1 article due to incomplete study design and follow-up data, leaving 33 studies for use in the review.

Synthesis of Findings

Thematic Analysis: The extracted data were organised into thematic categories based on the issues identified. (incidence, prevalence, burden, issues, and prospects). This was to facilitate a structured narrative synthesis. All the quantitative data were integrated (e.g., prevalence rates, incidence statistics) with relevant findings (e.g., expert opinions, case studies) for a comprehensive insight into the topic. Findings across different studies were compared to highlight trends, variations, and insights regarding the prostate cancer overview in Nigeria.

Data Presentation

Data were presented in evidence-based format tables.

Ethical Approval

Ethical approval not needed in reviews. However, only researches with ethical approvals were included in the review.

Flow Chart

Fig 1: Study Articles selection process flow chat.

Results

Table 1: Summary of studies on the incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer in Nigeria

Ref NO Reference Year Objective Study Design Key Findings Conclusion
[14] Umeh et al. (2022) 2022 Willingness-to-pay for PSA screening in Anambra State Contingent valuation study Although expenses may be a barrier for low-income groups, a sizable majority of the population said that they would be ready to pay for PSA screening. Early detection might be enhanced by population-based PSA screening, however economics must be considered.
[16] Akang et al. (1996) 19 96 Prostatic tumor cases in Benin City, Nigeria Retrospective study A significant portion of male malignancies were prostate tumours, and this ratio has been rising over time. Prostate cancer is becoming increasingly common, necessitating targeted medical therapies.
[27] Bosland et al. (2021) 2021 Prevalence of prostate cancer at autopsy in Nigeria Autopsy study Prostate cancer was more common in post-mortem samples than previously thought, suggesting that some instances were not properly detected. Nigeria may have under-reported cases of prostate cancer, which highlights the need for improved screening initiatives.
[29] Ifere et al. (2012) 2012 Emergent trends in prostate cancer incidence in Nigeria Systematic review Prostate cancer incidence is on the rise in Nigeria, especially in metropolitan areas.

Prostate cancer incidence in Nigeria may be rising as a result of urbanisation and changes in lifestyle.

[32] Akinremi TO, Ogo CN, Olutunde AO 2011 Review of prostate cancer research and its incidence in Nigeria. Literature review and analysis of epidemiological data from various regions in Nigeria. Nigeria is seeing an increase in the incidence of prostate cancer, however regional variations exist. There are significant gaps in the national data gathering system.More precise incidence rates necessitate improved data gathering methods and national cancer registries.
[33] Adeloye D, David RA, Aderemi AV, et al. 2016 Provide a systematic estimate of prostate cancer incidence in Africa. Systematic review and meta-analysis of prostate cancer incidence studies from Africa. The prevalence of prostate cancer is rising throughout Africa, with notable regional differences. Nigeria has one of the highest rates in the continent. Reducing the burden of prostate cancer requires improved cancer screening and monitoring systems.
[34] Oluwole OP, Rafindadi AH, Shehu MS, Samaila MO 2015 Analyze trends in prostate cancer incidence over a ten-year period in ABUTH, Zaria. Retrospective analysis of prostate cancer specimens from 2003-2013. With a steadily rising incidence, prostate cancer accounted for a sizable portion of all cancer cases over the research period. The increasing frequency emphasises how crucial early screening and better diagnosis techniques are.
[3] Jedy-Agba E, Curado M, Ogunbiyi O, et al. 2012 Report on the cancer incidence in Nigeria from population-based cancer registries. Data collected from cancer registries in major cities across Nigeria. The most prevalent cancer in Nigerian males is prostate cancer, which varies significantly by region. For the purpose of tracking cancer trends, population-based cancer registries must be established and maintained.

Table 2: Burden and Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer in Nigeria

Ref NO

Reference

Year

Objective

Study Design

Key Findings

Conclusion

[18]

Bassey et al. (2018)

2018

Prognostication of prostate cancer in Calabar, Nigeria

Prognostic study

higher death rates from prostate cancer in older men, particularly when the disease is detected at an advanced stage.

 

Improving survival rates requires early diagnosis, which emphasises the necessity of improved screening initiatives.

[20]

Sapira et al. (2012)

2012

Comorbid medical conditions associated with prostate cancer in Nigeria

Retrospective cohort study

Comorbid conditions including diabetes and hypertension are common in people with prostate cancer, which makes treatment results more difficult.

For patients with prostate cancer to have better overall health and treatment outcomes, comorbid diseases must be managed.

[15]

Ogunbiyi (2011)

2011

Health system challenges and prostate cancer control in Nigeria

Health system analysis

Lack of screening programs, qualified staff, and infrastructure are major obstacles.

Systemic healthcare issues in Nigeria make it extremely difficult to control prostate cancer, necessitating significant policy changes.

[10]

Ukoli F, Osime U, Akereyeni F, et al.

2003

Investigate the prevalence of elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in rural Nigerian men.

Cross-sectional study measuring PSA levels in a rural population.

Overall, 19% of the research participants had elevated PSA values, which suggests a high risk of prostate cancer.

In remote places, PSA testing may be a useful early detection tool, but availability and knowledge are low.

[5]

Adesina M, Oladele R, Olufadewa I, et al.

2020

Address the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including prostate cancer, in Nigeria.

Commentary on existing literature and burden of NCDs.

With risk factors including ageing, limited access to healthcare, and ignorance, prostate cancer plays a significant role in Nigeria's growing NCD burden.

Comprehensive national NCD policies that emphasise early identification and preventive techniques are required.

 

[11]

Baba I, Hınçal E

2018

Examine the incidence and risk factors of cancer in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Review of cancer incidence data from Nigeria and its border countries.

One of the top five malignancies in Nigeria, prostate cancer is becoming more common due to lifestyle, genetic, and ageing factors.

To lessen the rising burden of prostate cancer in the area, regional cooperation on cancer research and prevention is required.

[9]

Ugwumba F, Nnabugwu I

2022

Describe clinical features of prostate cancer at presentation in a Black African community over the past decade.

Retrospective analysis of clinical data from patients with prostate cancer.

The majority of patients had advanced prostate cancer when they first arrived, emphasising the need of early identification and treatment.

Increased public awareness and earlier detection might lead to better community outcomes for prostate cancer.

[2]

Oladimeji O, Bidemi Y, John-Akinola Y, et al.

2010

Assess awareness, knowledge, and screening practices for prostate cancer among older men in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Cross-sectional survey of men aged 40 years and above.

Prostate cancer screening rates were poor, and only 11.2% of respondents knew enough about the disease.

Campaigns for public health are required to raise awareness and encourage early screening.

Table 3: Barriers to Prostate Cancer Screening and Diagnosis in Nigeria

Ref NO

Reference

Year

Objective

Study Design

Key Findings

Conclusion

[19]

Ndikom & Ilesanmi (2021)

2021

Risk perception and screening uptake among civil servants in Ibadan

Cross-sectional study

Prostate cancer screening uptake is hampered by socioeconomic constraints and a poor risk perception.

In order to increase the population's adoption of prostate cancer screening, it is imperative that socioeconomic hurdles and misunderstandings be addressed.

[24]

Ariom et al. (2023)

2023

Knowledge, perception, and screening rates among male artisans in Nnewi-North

Cross-sectional study

Male craftsmen' screening participation was significantly hampered by their lack of understanding and high level of diagnostic anxiety.

Programs for community outreach and education are required to dispel myths and anxieties about prostate cancer screening.

[14]

Umeh et al. (2022)

2022

Willingness-to-pay for PSA screening in Anambra

Contingent valuation study

Many people are only ready to spend modest sums for PSA testing, making affordability a significant obstacle to prostate cancer screening.

PSA screening in low-income groups requires government funding or accessible health initiatives.

[7]

Enemugwem et al. (2019)

2019

Evaluation of knowledge and willingness to screen for prostate cancer

Cross-sectional study

Due to cultural shame, many men in Obio Akpor were reluctant to engage in screening even if they were aware of prostate cancer.

Awareness efforts should focus on cultural myths and attitudes that continue to be major obstacles to prostate cancer screening.

 

[28]

Omisanjo et al. (2021)

2021

Waiting times for prostate cancer diagnosis in Nigerian population

Retrospective study

Prolonged diagnosis wait times were shown to be a hindrance to prompt treatment, which caused the disease to proceed to more advanced stages.

In order to discover prostate cancer early and get better results, waiting periods must be decreased and testing capacity must be increased.

[30]

Osegbe, DN

1997

Analyze facts and misconceptions regarding prostate cancer in Nigerian men.

review of Nigerian literature and instances of prostate cancer.

 

low detection rates as a result of ignorance and false beliefs, such as the notion that African men seldom develop prostate cancer.

Improved screening programs and awareness efforts are essential for early detection.

[6]

Awosan K, Yunusa E, Agwu N, Taofiq S

2018

Assess knowledge of prostate cancer and screening practices among men in Sokoto, Nigeria.

Survey-based study of 392 men in Sokoto.

Few respondents had been screened for prostate cancer, and just 22.4% had even heard of the practice. There were substantial economic and cultural impediments.

In order to remove obstacles to prostate cancer screening, health education and public awareness initiatives are essential.

[13]

Busolo D, Woodgate R

2014

Review cancer prevention strategies in Africa, including prostate cancer screening.

Literature review of cancer prevention efforts in African countries.

Across the continent, the main obstacles to cancer screening were a lack of public knowledge, a lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure, and a fear of being diagnosed.

Increasing screening rates requires strengthening health services and enhancing community engagement.

[10]

Ukoli F, Osime U, Akereyeni F, et al.

2003

Identify barriers to prostate cancer diagnosis in rural Nigeria.

Interviews and PSA testing in rural communities.

Early diagnosis was hampered by financial limitations, healthcare access issues, and cultural stigmas.

Improving screening uptake requires specialised approaches that address cultural biases and offer reasonably priced healthcare.

[7]

Enemugwem R, Eze B, Ejike U, et al.

2019

To assess knowledge and willingness to screen for prostate cancer among men in Obio Akpor LGA, Rivers State.

Cross-sectional survey of men in a local government area.

Prostate cancer screening is poorly understood, and the majority of men still hold onto outdated ideas.

To dispel myths and boost screening rates, community-based education and interventions are required.

[4]

Onyeodi I, Akintelure S, Oladipo A, Fashola T

2022

Examine knowledge, attitude, and screening practices of prostate cancer among men in an urban community in Lagos.

Cross-sectional survey of 250 men in an urban community.

Just 10% of participants had ever been checked for prostate cancer, and 63% knew very little about the process.

Increasing screening rates requires better information and easier access to screening services.

Table 4: Prospects for Improving Prostate Cancer Outcomes in Nigeria

Ref No

Reference

Year

Objective

Study Design

Key Findings

Conclusion

[26]

Abdus-Salam et al. (2023)

2023

Early experience with brachytherapy for prostate cancer in Nigeria

Retrospective study

With respectable safety and effectiveness ratings, high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy shown promise in the treatment of prostate cancer.

In Nigeria, brachytherapy may be a good way to treat prostate cancer, but more facilities and training are required.

[31]

Chidebe et al. (2019)

2019

Navigating prostate cancer control in Nigeria

Health policy analysis

Reducing the burden of prostate cancer requires strengthening national cancer control initiatives, including screening and treatment.

Prostate cancer control in Nigeria requires comprehensive national policies that support early diagnosis, access to treatment, and public education.

[32]

Akinremi et al. (2011)

2011

Review of prostate cancer research in Nigeria

Literature review

Progress in the management of prostate cancer has been hampered by large financial and research shortages.

To create efficient screening, diagnostic, and treatment programs for prostate cancer in Nigeria, more money and research are needed.

[27]

Bosland et al. (2021)

2021

Autopsy study on prostate cancer prevalence

Autopsy study

More thorough screening methods are required, as evidenced by the high rate of undetected prostate cancer in autopsy reports.

Addressing Nigeria's high prostate cancer burden requires increasing population-wide screening programs and enhancing access to healthcare.

[2]

Oladimeji et al. (2020)

2020

Addressing the high burden of noncommunicable diseases, including prostate cancer

Commentary

As a major noncommunicable illness, prostate cancer requires multisectoral approaches to address this expanding health issue.

To fight prostate cancer in Nigeria, government policies, better healthcare systems, and public health education must work together.

[23]

Dorcas, Adedoyin, Adesina, Evaristus, Adeyeye, Babatunde, Emmanuel, Amoo, Allo, Tolulope

2023

Assess health communication, knowledge, and practice regarding prostate cancer in Kwara State, Nigeria.

Survey-based research on health communication practices, involving 500 participants.

There was a notable dependence on local beliefs rather than medical information, along with low levels of awareness and expertise.

Prostate cancer awareness and communication must be increased through health education initiatives.

[21]

Ezegwu, Daniel, Obichili, Mercy, Nwokeocha, Ifeanyi, George, Esther

2022

Examine the coverage of prostate cancer issues in select Nigerian newspapers.

Content analysis of five mainstream Nigerian newspapers.

There were few in-depth articles and uneven coverage on prostate cancer.

To increase public awareness and knowledge, media coverage of prostate cancer has to be improved.

[32]

Akinremi TO, Ogo CN, Olutunde AO

2011

Review current research on prostate cancer and identify potential improvements in care.

Literature review of prostate cancer research in Nigeria.

Although accessibility issues still exist, improvements in patient outcomes are being brought about by advancements in diagnostic technology and heightened public awareness.

Long-term results will be improved by sustained investment in public health initiatives and prostate cancer research.

[5]

Adesina M, Oladele R, Olufadewa I, et al.

2020

Discuss strategies to reduce the burden of NCDs, including prostate cancer, in Nigeria.

Review of current NCD management strategies.

Addressing the burden of prostate cancer requires a multi-sectoral strategy that includes the government, civic society, and healthcare professionals.

Improving prostate cancer early detection and treatment requires cooperation from all parties involved.

[13]

Busolo D, Woodgate R

2014

Explore cancer prevention strategies in Africa, with a focus on prostate cancer.

Review of prevention programs and policies in Africa.

Reducing the death rate from prostate cancer requires enhanced healthcare infrastructure, early detection initiatives, and awareness efforts.

Improving cancer outcomes in Africa will need sustained healthcare financing and the effective execution of policies.

[1]

Rudan I, David R, Aderemi A, et al.

2016

Estimate the incidence of prostate cancer in Africa, including Nigeria.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on prostate cancer incidence.

Prostate cancer is becoming more common in Africa, which has important ramifications for healthcare systems.

Improving results requires bolstering cancer control laws and encouraging early detection through nationwide screening initiatives.

[10]

Ukoli F, Osime U, Akereyeni F, et al.

2003

Investigate the prevalence of elevated PSA levels in rural Nigeria and its implications for prostate cancer screening.

Cross-sectional study measuring PSA levels in a rural population.

19% of patients had elevated PSA readings, indicating a significant chance of prostate cancer going undetected.

To enhance early identification and treatment, PSA testing ought to be included into rural healthcare environments.

 

Discussion

Several studies have examined very deeply the incidence, burden, and prevalence of prostrate cancer in Nigeria. Umeh et al. investigated the desire and willingness to pay for the screening exercise of PSA tests in Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria. The studies showed that some parts of the study population were willing to pay for the PSA screening exercise even though costs posed challenges and barriers for the underserved groups. The study revealed that early PSA screening exercise improved early detection; however, the cost component needed to be addressed for affordability purposes [1]. A retrospective study carried out in Benin City, Nigeria, showed that prostrate tumours accounted for a great percentage of cancers in the male population, which showed an increasing pattern over the years [3].

This is an indication of the increasing incidence of prostrate cancer, implying immediate intervention by healthcare professionals to reverse the trend. An autopsy report by another investigation highlighted much higher prevalence rates of prostrate cancer than reported by previous studies, suggesting cases that were poorly diagnosed or not diagnosed at all. The studies recommended more screening exercises to address the issue [14].

Systematic review studies carried out in several hospitals and clinics had shown increasing incidence rates of prostrate cancers across and within Nigeria, especially in urban areas, implying that lifestyle changes and urbanisation played major roles in prostrate cancer. [16] However, some studies reviewed and discovered variabilities in incidence across several regions of Nigeria, showing gaps in national data collection, indicating the need for improved data systems in national cancer registries [9]. In another systematic and meta-analysis review carried out by a study, an increase in prostrate cancer incidence in Africa as a whole portrayed Nigeria as having the highest rates. This calls for the need to enhance cancer surveillance and screening programs to lessen the burden [20]. Again, the study conducted by Oluwole et al. discovered an upward rise in prostrate cancer incidence in ABUTH Zaria in a ten-year period, suggesting better screening and diagnostic methods [16,21]. Studies also carried out in 2012 from population-based cancer registries showed that prostate cancer was the most prevalent form of cancer among men, with geographic variations in incidence suggesting the need for establishing, running, and maintaining population-based registries[28]. The report compared favourably with the burden of prostrate cancer among the black race worldwide, West Africa included, indicating that genetic and environmental factors adequately contributed to the high incidence, thereby calling for more collaborative studies to address disparities [29].

Burdens and risk factors for prostrate cancer have been conducted comprehensively by several researchers. Investigations carried out in Calabar, Nigeria, showed higher mortality rates in the more elderly men with advanced-stage diagnosis, implying the need for early diagnosis for better survival rates [5]. Similarly, a retrospective cohort study revealed that prostate cancer patients often presented with comorbidities, e.g., hypertension and diabetes, making treatment outcomes more complicated, hence emphasising the importance for elaborate and comprehensive management [7]. Ogunbiyi listed major barriers such as infrastructural limitations and a lack of trained professionals as hindering factors towards cancer control in Nigeria [2,15]. Adesina et al. had identified several gaps in knowledge and preventive measures on prostrate cancer in Kwara State, urging for educational interventions[23].

A cross-sectional study in rural areas in Nigeria carried out by Ukoli et al. discovered that about 19% of men had elevated PSA levels suggestive of a higher risk of prostrate cancer without awareness and accessibility to screening tests being of major concern.[22] In a previous study carried out by Adesina et al., they showed concern about the increasing burden of communicable diseases, including prostrate cancer, and urged for comprehensive national policies that direct interest on prevention and detection of early prostrate cancer [23]. Baba et al. had earlier investigated the incidence and risk factors in Nigeria, associating the rise in risk factors to ageing, genetics, and lifestyle influences, suggesting regional collaborative studies in prostate cancer [25]. Ugwumba et al. discovered that most prostrate cancer patients in the black African region presented with end-stage disease, recommending the necessity for early diagnosis [9,33]. Oladimeji et al. had equally examined awareness and screening exercises in Oyo State and discovered that decreased awareness levels and screening practices, calling for urgent public health campaigns to increase screening practices[30].

Ndikom and Ilesanmi had examined barrier factors and discovered that poor risk perception coupled with some socioeconomic barriers had impacted negatively on the screening practices in Ibadan, implying a suggestion to enhance screening uptake [19]. Umeh et al. had discovered that affordability played a measurable role in screening, with many patients willing to pay minimally for PSA tests, which called for government subsidies for health programs [1]. On the other hand, Ariom et al. found that a low knowledge base and fear of the diagnosis being positive were strong barriers to screening participation among male artisans in Nnewi-North, suggesting education and community outreaches [11]. Enemugwem et al., in their studies, discovered that cultural stigma was a big barrier to screening exercises in Obio Akpor, with most of the patients unwilling to partake—a call to address cultural beliefs in their awareness campaigns [27]. Omisanjor et al.'s research highlighted long waiting times for diagnosis and called for better diagnostic capacity for earlier detection [28].

Misconceptions about prostrate cancer in Nigeria were investigated by Osegbe, and he found poor awareness and misconceptions were prominent factors that played down on detection rates [17]. Awosan et al. found out that only 22.4% of men were aware of prostrate cancer in Sokoto State, identifying weak knowledge base and calling for education campaign improvements [24]. A review study carried out by Busola and Woodgate on prevention strategies highlighted limited infrastructure and poor awareness as major barrier factors to prostate cancer screening exercise across African countries and proffered stronger health systems and community programs [26] in his survey, highlighted cultural stigmas, limited healthcare access, and financial constraints as strong barriers to early diagnosis in remote parts of Nigeria, advising for a well-tailored intervention[22]. Abdusalam, et al had proposed in his works that brachytherapy may be a better treatment approach for prostate cancer while Chiedebe et al., suggested that early detection and treatment be adopted by National cancer control program to reduce the burden of prostate cancer [31]. Akinwemi et al had investigated the gaps in recent research works and found out that strengthening National policy reforms, promoting early detection and education can lessen the incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer.

Conclusion

The increase in the rates of incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer from 1970 to 2023 makes it necessary to call for strategic health policymakers for immediate interventions to stop the trends. These trends are largely affected by lifestyle factors, age, and poor information in the awareness of the disease. The barriers to be removed include delays in detection and treatment of the disease, limited access, and cultural stigma, which worsen the diseases. To lessen the impacts of prostate cancer, stakeholders approach is advocated to improve public health care education by creating awareness programs to increase early detection and treatment of prostate cancer through early screening exercise. There is also a need to strengthen the national cancer control program and initiate the teamwork approaches of health care professionals, policymakers, and NGOs to create a conducive working environment for prostate cancer care and management.

Limitations

Firstly, the work relied mostly on secondary data collection, which may not be consistent with the adopted varying reporting patterns, different methods of research designs, and study setting disparities in prostate cancer awareness and diagnosis. Considering the long span of coverage and limited information on longitudinal data, the study may not have captured the various variations in data on incidence and prevalence. Limiting the study to Nigeria alone may not represent global information on incidence, prevalence, and burden of prostate cancer.

Conflict of interest: The authors have none to declare.

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