Prostate and breast cancers in Africa: Prevalence, risk factors, and molecular overview against the background of the world population

Abstract

Currently, cancer represents an escalating public health crisis in Africa, ranking as the continent’s fifth leading cause of mortality. According to recent GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, approximately 1.15 million new cancer cases and 754,500 deaths occurred across Africa in that year alone. On a global scale, there were an estimated 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022, with a disproportionate burden falling on underserved regions. Low- and middle-income countries are projected to account for nearly 75% of global cancer deaths, highlighting a stark geographical inequity in access to timely diagnosis and comprehensive care. This review provides an inclusive presentation of the two most prevalent reproductive malignancies in Africa: prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. Set against the backdrop of the continent’s unique socioeconomic landscape, the article explores the complex interplay of prevalence and risk factors, ranging from genetic and phenotypic predispositions to environmental and epigenetic influences. Recognizing the diverse healthcare landscape in Africa, this work addresses the accessibility of conventional medicine while evaluating the supervised integration of potential herbal agents as complementary therapies. This review identifies barriers to effective disease management and discusses the current and future cancer burden across the African continent for non-specialist readers and those seeking to understand oncological care in Africa. Ultimately, the findings underscore an urgent need for targeted policy-making and strategic investment in prevention. Prioritizing timely screening and strengthening treatment infrastructure are essential steps for authorities to mitigate the surging cancer burden and maintain the health of African populations.