Prevalence and Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer in Africa: A Scoping Review
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Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men globally, with an increasing incidence in African countries. Despite the increasing incidence and mortality rates on the continent, there is a lack of synthesized information on its prevalence and associated risk factors. The aim of this scoping review was to outline the available literature on the prevalence of prostate cancer and its risk factors in Africa. Methods: The review followed the framework outlined by Arksey and O'Malley (2005), with a refinement by Levac et al. (2010), using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searching across a number of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, African Journals Online (AJOL), and African Index Medicus (AIM), from the year 2000 to 2024 was carried out. Included studies had to report the prevalence or the risk factors for prostate cancer, be conducted in African countries, and be published in English. The data were structured using a standardized recording form and synthesized using the narrative method. Results: Fifty-five studies met the predetermined inclusion criteria. Most of these studies were conducted in South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Ghana. The prevalence estimates were highly variable, with the lowest being 5.2% in Ghana and the highest being 16.3% in Tunisia. The non-modifiable risk factors identified included age, Black African ethnicity, and family history. By contrast, the modifiable risk factors included high-fat diet, obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. Major barriers to early detection were noted, such as limited access to screening, low awareness, and cultural stigma. In addition, there were major data gaps in Central and North-Central Africa, with limited studies in rural or under-resourced settings. Conclusion: This review highlights the varied incidence of prostate cancer and related risks across Africa, as well as considerable gaps in both policy and research efforts. There is an urgent need for regionally tailored interventions, improved surveillance networks, and targeted public health responses to reduce the rising burden of prostate cancer in the region.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Hoque, Md Mostafizur Rahman, Sayma Akter Pata, Prof Muhammad Akram Uzzaman
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