Tobacco consumption in Mozambique in 2005 and 2015

Regional differences in the daily consumption of smoked and smokeless tobacco among adults (25-64 years) in Mozambique: 2005 versus 2014/2015

Within-country differences in the prevalence of tobacco consumption may be expected in Mozambique, as determinants of tobacco use vary considerably countrywide. We compared the daily use of smoked and smokeless tobacco in 2005 and 2014/2015 across Mozambican regions. Two surveys were conducted in Mozambique, in 2005 and 2014/2015, with representative samples of the adult population, following the World Health Organization's STEPwise Approach to NCD Risk Factor Surveillance. Prevalence estimates were computed for daily use of different types of tobacco, stratified by regions. Data from the 2014/2015 survey were compared to those from the 2005 survey, after direct age-standardization. During the 10-year period, a significant reduction was observed in the prevalence of daily tobacco smoking among women in the Northern and men in the Southern provinces, due to the decrease in the consumption of hand-rolled cigarettes among Northern women (from 9.6% to 2.3%), and manufactured cigarettes among Southern men (from 23.7% to 11.8%). In Center and Northern regions, nonsignificant increases were observed in the consumption of manufactured cigarettes among men. The consumption of smokeless tobacco among Southern women decreased (from 3.1% to 1%). There was a decrease in the daily consumption of hand-rolled cigarettes among women in the North and of manufactured cigarettes among men in the South, as well as a potential trend towards residual smokeless tobacco consumption. However, the results suggest increases in the daily consumption of manufactured cigarettes among men in the Center and Northern regions.

Is the incidence rate of colorectal cancer increasing in Mozambique?

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health concern, ranking as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, in Africa, CRC is the fifth most common invasive malignancy. Limited data hinder our understanding of the evolving burden of CRC in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores CRC trends in Mozambique, utilising data from population-based oncological registries.

Methods

CRC data were gathered from Beira and Maputo population-based cancer registries, along with supplementary information from pathology-based and hospital-based registries. Comparative analyses were performed across different time periods, focusing on trends and epidemiological characteristics.

Results

Incidence rates of CRC in Maputo and Beira were relatively low historically. However, data from recent years showed an increase, especially in age groups above 50. Analyses from pathology-based and hospital-based registries affirmed the rising trend. The age-standardised incidence rate in Maputo (2015-2017) was 3.17 for males and 2.55 for females. Beira exhibited increasing rates between 2009 and 2020, particularly in individuals aged 50 and above.

Conclusion

The study reveals an emerging burden of CRC in Mozambique, challenging the perception of low incidence. The rising trend underscores the necessity for tailored interventions, emphasizing early diagnosis, preventive strategies, and investments in healthcare infrastructure to address the increasing CRC burden in the region.

Roles of Androgen Receptor Signaling in Urothelial Carcinoma

Preclinical and clinical data suggest that androgen receptor signaling strongly contributes to bladder cancer development. The roles of the androgen receptor in bladder carcinogenesis have obvious implications for understanding the strong male sex bias in this disease and for potential therapeutic strategies as well. In this review, we summarize what is known about androgen receptor signaling in urothelial carcinoma as well as in tumor-infiltrating immune cells, reviewing preclinical and clinical data. We also highlight clinical trial efforts in this area.