Significance and Implications of Prostate Cancer: Critical Overview for Future Directions in Africa.

Journal: Cancer investigation
Published Date: Jan 8, 2026

Abstract

Prostate cancer places a heavy economic burden on health care in many countries globally. This is no exception in Africa. It is also described as one of the main factors in mortality rates among men of African descent. The fact that less than 40% of its patients usually present with localized disease may suggest that the projected data from above might have underestimated the disease condition in the sub-Saharan region. From the results of prostate cancer screening, an estimate can be made that most African men in the subregion do not have good information about the disease. Even though current treatment modalities for the disease are effective when used in combination, it largely remains incurable. In this review, we critically explore the impacts of prostate cancer for the benefit and future directions of the African continent. We highlight important detection and treatment strategies and summarize the economic impacts and epidemiological patterns with associated risk factors within the African population. We also discuss the potential of African medicinal plants in the fight against the disease. Furthermore, the application of artificial intelligence in enhancing detection and treatment outcomes is highlighted. This overview provides valuable insights for healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in African prostate cancer management and prevention efforts.

Authors

  • Blessing Kwabena Gayi
    Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
  • Albert Fynn Aiduenu
    Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
  • Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor
    Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana.
  • Stephen Tawiah-Nyarko
    Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
  • Seyram Kofi Loh
    Department of Built Environment, School of Sustainable Development, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana.
  • Jennifer Afua Afrifa Yamoah
    Animal Health Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Animal Research Institute, Adenta-Frafraha, Accra, Ghana.
  • William Ekloh
    Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
  • Angelina Akomea
    Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
  • Susanna Awinsongya Anovunga
    Biomedical Science Department, Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana.
  • Andy Asafu-Adjaye
    Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.

Keywords

No keywords available for this article.

External Resources

Popular Topics
Recent Journals