Population-Based Cancer Registration in Sub-Saharan Africa: Its Role in Research and Cancer Control

Trends in the incidence of colorectal cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: A population-based registry study

In sub-Saharan Africa, colorectal cancer (CRC) has historically been considered a rare disease, although some previous studies have suggested that the incidence is increasing. We examine time trends in the incidence of CRC using data from 12 population-based cancer registries in 11 countries of sub-Saharan Africa that were able to provide time series data for periods of 12 or more years, or with earlier data with which recent rates may be compared. Age-standardized incidence rates were highest in the higher-income countries, and were increasing in all of the populations studied, and these increases were statistically significant in all but three. Current evidence has suggested a link between the increased adoption of western lifestyle habits with colorectal cancer, and along with increasing urbanization of African populations, there is an increase in body weight, as well as evidence of increasing consumption of meat, sugars, and alcohol.

Estimating regional and national cancer incidence in Uganda: a retrospective population-based study, 2013-2017

BACKGROUND

Cancer is becoming a major health problem in Uganda. Cancer control requires accurate estimates of the cancer burden for planning and monitoring of the cancer control strategies. However, cancer estimates and trends for Uganda are mainly based on one population-based cancer registry (PBCR), located in Kampala, the capital city, due to a lack of PBCRs in other regions. This study aimed at estimating cancer incidence among the geographical regions and providing national estimates of cancer incidence in Uganda.

METHODS

A retrospective study, using a catchment population approach, was conducted from June 2019 to February 2020. The study registered all newly diagnosed cancer cases, in the period of 2013 to 2017, among three geographical regions: Central, Western and Eastern regions. Utilizing regions as strata, stratified random sampling was used to select the study populations. Cases were coded according to the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-0-03). Data was analysed using CanReg5 and Microsoft Excel.

RESULTS

11598 cases (5157 males and 6441 females) were recorded. The overall national age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) were 82.9 and 87.4 per 100,000 people in males and females respectively. The regional ASIRs were: 125.4 per 100,000 in males and 134.6 per 100,000 in females in central region; 58.2 per 100,000 in males and 56.5 per 100,000 in females in Western region; and 46.5 per 100,000 in males and 53.7 per 100,000 in females in Eastern region. Overall, the most common cancers in males over the study period were cancers of the prostate, oesophagus, Kaposi's sarcoma, stomach and liver. In females, the most frequent cancers were: cervix, breast, oesophagus, Kaposi's sarcoma and stomach.

CONCLUSION

The overall cancer incidence rates from this study are different from the documented national estimates for Uganda. This emphasises the need to enhance the current methodologies for describing the country's cancer burden. Studies like this one are critical in enhancing the cancer surveillance system by estimating regional and national cancer incidence and allowing for the planning and monitoring of evidence-based cancer control strategies at all levels.

Neuro-oncological research output in Africa: a scoping review of primary brain tumors

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that individuals of African ancestry, particularly those residing in Africa, suffer from an unfortunate amount of under-representation in cancer research worldwide.

AIM

We aimed to analyze current research output and potentially predict future trends in neuro-oncological research in Africa. Investigating deficits in the field will assist in identifying top-performing countries, which ones face challenges, and how to solve them. Therefore, targeted interventions can be applied to overcome these challenges.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic computer-based search on the following databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase) for research articles related to the neuro-oncological field in Africa. We aimed to retrieve any article published in the period between 1 January 2000 and 10 January 2023.

RESULTS

We included 200 eligible articles in our study. The output of neuro-oncological research has been increasing over the past two decades, peaking in 2019. Among the included articles, clinical practice issues constituted the majority (80%), while public health-related topics accounted for 20% of the publications. Regarding the type of neurological tumor, neuroblastoma was the most common, with 26 articles (13%), meningioma with 21 (10.5%), and glioma with 16 articles (8%).

CONCLUSION

The interest in African neuro-oncological research is increasing. Hence, there is a need for ongoing efforts to address issues with clinical practice and public health related to neurological tumors in the continent. Future studies should concentrate on filling in knowledge gaps and investigating novel methods for neuro-oncological conditions that affect African populations in terms of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies.

Update on pathology laboratory development and research in advancing regional cancer care in Malawi

The pathology laboratory at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, Malawi was established in 2011. We published our initial experiences in laboratory development and telepathology in 2013 and 2016, respectively. The purpose of this paper is to provide an update on our work by highlighting the positive role laboratory development has played in improving regional cancer care and research. In addition, we provide a summary of the adult pathology data from specimens received between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2019, with an emphasis on malignant diagnoses. We compare these summaries to estimates of cancer incidence in this region to identify gaps and future needs.

Climate change and oncology nursing: the African perspective

Climate change is impacting the lives of millions around the world and exacerbating existing challenges in healthcare globally. Although Africa contributes only 2%-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it suffers a disproportionate share of the environmental impact. High-income countries dominate the global discourse on climate change, while their continued utilisation of extractive policies exacerbates climate hazards and impacts economies in regions not responsible for the damage. Cancer is on the rise and constitutes a significant public health burden in low- and middle-income countries, yet little is known about the impact of climate change on oncology nursing on the African continent. To address the ways that climate change is exacerbating existing challenges and adding new difficulties for oncology care, it is essential that the expertise of professionals working in settings that are most impacted by the threats of climate change is amplified if climate crisis risks are to be effectively mitigated. Seven African oncology nurses from across sub-Saharan Africa were reflexively interviewed by voice over internet protocol (VOIP) in English to learn about their understanding of climate change and experiences with its impact on nursing care. Using a conceptual framework to map the impact of climate change on health and considering the vulnerability and social capacity of patients with cancer, our findings show how existing challenges to oncology nursing care are exacerbated by climate change on the continent. Food insecurity, national economic dependency on the agricultural sector, economic inequality, social vulnerability and isolation, transportation challenges, and the immunocompromised status of patients with cancer are all key concerns for oncology nurses in this context. We also present the nurses' specific recommendations for governments, hospital authorities, and oncology nurses regarding climate change mitigation, adaptation, and event response strategies. With this work, we aim to lay a foundation for further investigation and action to mitigate the oncoming challenges of climate disaster for oncology nurses across sub-Saharan Africa and the patients and families they care for.

Worldwide Incidence of Ocular Melanoma and Correlation With Pigmentation-Related Risk Factors

Purpose

The worldwide incidence of ocular melanoma (OM), uveal melanoma (UM), and conjunctival melanoma has last been reported on 15 years ago. Recently, light iris color and four specific single-nucleotide-polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified as a UM-risk factor. Furthermore, six iris color predicting SNPs have been discovered (IrisPlex). Interestingly, two of these (rs129138329 and rs12203592) are also UM-risk factors. We collected worldwide incidence data of OM and investigated its correlations with iris color, IrisPlex SNPs, and UM-risk SNPs.

Methods

Cases of OM, as defined by the International Classification of Diseases Oncology C69 (eye), 8720/3 to 8790/3 (malignant melanoma), and 8000 to 8005 (malignant neoplasm), between 1988 and 2012, were extracted from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. Incidence rates were age-standardized and their trends were analyzed with joinpoint regression and age period cohort modeling. Frequencies for each country of iris color, IrisPlex SNPs, and UM-risk SNPs were collected from the literature.

Results

Incidence rates were generally ≥8.0 cases per million person-years in Northern Europe, Western Europe, and Oceania; 2.0 to 7.9 in North America, Eastern Europe, and Southern Europe; and <2.0 in South America, Asia, and Africa. OM incidence correlated with latitude (r = 0.77, P ≤ 0.001) and is expressed as a north-to-south decreasing gradient in Europe. SNP rs12913832 correlated with OM incidence (r = 0.83, P ≤ 0.001), blue iris color (r = 0.56, P ≤ 0.05), green iris color (r = 0.51, P ≤ 0.05), and brown iris color (r = -0.64, P ≤ 0.01). Trends were stable for most countries (28/35).

Conclusions

OM incidence is highest in populations of European ancestry and lowest in populations of Asian and African ancestry. Overall, trends are stable, and the spatial correlation among OM incidence, iris color, and rs12913832 may support the role of pigmentation-related risk factors in OM development.

Assessment of barriers to optimal cancer control in adult cancer treatment centres in Cameroon

Approximately 20,745 new cases of cancer were registered annually with 13,199 (64%) deaths in 2020 in Cameroon. Despite the increasing cancer burden, there is a paucity of reliable data that can enhance decision-making for cancer control in Cameroon. This assessment was, therefore, designed to generate data that may enable stakeholders, policymakers and funders to make data-driven decisions on cancer control. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in July 2020, which enabled us to collect data on key cancer variables from six adult cancer treatment centres in Cameroon. The key components of the assessment included case detection, service availability, human resource capacity, cost of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the safety of chemotherapy sessions, data systems, patient education, palliative care, funding for chemotherapy and chemotherapy stock. Data were compiled and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2016. Data from four of the 6 sites show that 1,636 new cases were recorded representing an annual case detection rate of 11.8%. All the six assessed facilities offered chemotherapy services, 5/6 (83.3%) offered surgery for cancers, while just 1 (16.7%) offered radiotherapy services. In addition, none offered nuclear medicine services for cancer care and treatment. Similarly, none of the facilities had the WHO-recommended number of human resources for optimal cancer care. Overall, there were only 6 medical oncologists, 2 surgical oncologists, 3 radiation oncologists and 14 oncology nurses providing services across the 6 cancer treatment centres. Treatment services are expensive for an average national, with a complete course of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy costing ~XAF 1,240,000 (~$2,480). None of the survey facilities had a recommended safe biosafety cabinet and clean room for the preparation of chemotherapies, rendering the preparation of chemotherapies suboptimal and hazardous. Data collection tools were manual, relatively available and very different across all the surveyed sites and the interval for data collection and transmission was collectively undefined. Optimal cancer care in adult cancer treatment centres is limited by several health systems and socio-economic factors. The identification of these barriers has enabled the formulation of action-oriented interventions, leveraging on the recently adopted national strategy for the prevention and control of cancers in the country.

Addressing cancer care inequities in sub-Saharan Africa: current challenges and proposed solutions

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is a significant public health challenge globally, with nearly 2000 lives lost daily in Africa alone. Without adequate measures, mortality rates are likely to increase. The major challenge for cancer care in Africa is equity and prioritization, as cancer is not receiving adequate attention from policy-makers and strategic stakeholders in the healthcare space. This neglect is affecting the three primary tiers of cancer care: prevention, diagnosis, and treatment/management. To promote cancer care equity, addressing issues of equity and prioritization is crucial to ensure that everyone has an equal chance at cancer prevention, early detection, and appropriate care and follow-up treatment.

METHODOLOGY

Using available literature, we provide an overview of the current state of cancer care in Africa and recommendations to close the gap.

RESULTS

We highlight several factors that contribute to cancer care inequity in Africa, including inadequate funding for cancer research, poor cancer education or awareness, inadequate screening or diagnostic facilities, lack of a well-organized and effective cancer registry system and access to care, shortage of specialized medical staff, high costs for screening, vaccination, and treatment, lack of technical capacity, poor vaccination response, and/or late presentation of patients for cancer screening. We also provide recommendations to address some of these obstacles to achieving cancer care equity. Our recommendations are divided into national-level initiatives and capacity-based initiatives, including cancer health promotion and awareness by healthcare professionals during every hospital visit, encouraging screening and vaccine uptake, ensuring operational regional and national cancer registries, improving healthcare budgeting for staff, equipment, and facilities, building expertise through specialty training, funding for cancer research, providing insurance coverage for cancer care, and implementing mobile health technology for telemedicine diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Addressing challenges to cancer equity holistically would improve the likelihood of longer survival for cancer patients, lower the risk factors for groups that are already at risk, and ensure equitable access to cancer care on the continent. This study identifies the existing stance that African nations have on equity in cancer care, outlines the current constraints, and provides suggestions that could make the biggest difference in attaining equity in cancer care.

Collection of cancer-specific data in population-based surveys in low- and middle-income countries: A review of the demographic and health surveys

Population-based surveys, such as those conducted by the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Programme, can collect and disseminate the data needed to inform cancer control efforts in a standardised and comparable manner. This review examines the DHS questionnaires, with the aim of describing and analysing how cancer-specific questions have been asked from the inception of the surveys to date. A systematic search of the DHS database was conducted to identify cancer-specific questions asked in surveys. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the cancer-specific questions across survey years and countries. In addition, the framing and scope of questions were appraised. A total of 341 DHS surveys (including standard, interim, continuous and special DHS surveys) have been conducted in 90 countries since 1985, 316 of which have been completed. A total of 39 (43.3%) of the countries have conducted at least one DHS survey with one or more cancer-specific questions. Of the 316 surveys with available final reports and questionnaires, 81 (25.6%) included at least one cancer-specific question; 54 (17.1%) included questions specific to cervical cancer, 41 (13.0%) asked questions about breast cancer, and 8 (2.5%) included questions related to prostate cancer. Questions related to other cancers (including colorectal, laryngeal, liver, lung, oral cavity, ovarian and non-site-specific cancers) were included in 40 (12.6%) of the surveys. Cancer screening-related questions were the most commonly asked. The majority of the surveys included questions on alcohol and tobacco use, which are known cancer risk factors. The frequency of cancer-specific questions has increased, though unsteadily, since inception of the DHS. Overall, the framing and scope of the cancer questions varied considerably across countries and survey years. To aid the collection of more useful population-level data to inform cancer-control priorities, it is imperative to improve the scope and content of cancer-specific questions in future DHS surveys.

Population-based cancer registries in Nigeria and the National Cancer Control Programme

Population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) are important sources of data on cancer burden in a defined population. They are a cornerstone for establishing, implementing and monitoring and evaluating a rational cancer control programme. Despite the long history of PBCRs in more developed countries of the world, PBCRs in sub-Saharan Africa are still poorly developed and cancer control is poor. Compared to PBCRs in Europe and the United States, cancer registries in sub-Saharan Africa are still functioning at a basic level. Only a few cancer registries in sub-Saharan Africa contribute data regularly to the International Agency for Cancer Registries' (IACR) GLOBOCAN and Cancer in Five Continents' publication series. In Nigeria, there have been efforts at strengthening existing PBCRs and creating new ones, and implementing national cancer control programmes. It is however unclear how successful these efforts have been. It is therefore necessary to reflect on documented activities so far in order to identify gaps and proffer solutions.

Descriptive epidemiology of gynaecological cancers in southern Ethiopia: retrospective cross-sectional review

OBJECTIVE

To determine the epidemiology of gynaecological cancer among patients treated at Hawassa University Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital (HUCSH) from 2013 to 2019.

DESIGN

A retrospective cross-sectional review.

SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND OUTCOME MEASURE

A total of 3002 patients' cards with a diagnosis of cancer at a tertiary hospital named HUCSH were reviewed between February and May 2020. HUCSH is the only oncological care centre in the southern region of Ethiopia. Of this all-gynaecological cancer charts were extracted and descriptive and trend analyses were done. The review was conducted between February and May 2020.

RESULT

Out of all 3002 cancer cases, 522 (17.4%) cases of gynaecological cancers were identified in 7 years. Cervical cancer accounted for 385 (73.8%) of all gynaecological cancers in this study, the next most common gynaecological cancers were ovarian cancer 55(10.5%) and endometrial cancer 51(9.8%), respectively. The mean (SD) age was 44.84 (12.23). Trends of all identified gynaecological cancers showed continuous increments of caseload year to year. Since 2016 increment of cervical cancer is drastically vertical compared with others.

CONCLUSION

Despite the limited use of a registration and referral system in primary health institutions, the burden of gynaecological cancers has increased over time. Treatment steps should be taken as soon as possible after a cancer diagnosis to prevent the disease from progressing.

Bridging the Radiotherapy Education Gap in Africa: Lessons Learnt from the Cape Town Access to Care Training Programme Over the Past 5 Years (2015-2019)

The role of radiotherapy (RT) in cancer care is well described, with a clear correlation between access to radiotherapy and overall survival. Cancer mortality rates in Africa are substantially higher than those of the rest of the world, which may be partly attributed to lack of RT access and insufficient human resources. The Access to Care (A2C) Cape Town RT training programme was created in 2014 with the aim of supplementing practical RT training in the region, focusing on clinics moving from 2 to 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT). The programme makes use of hybrid teaching methods, including pre-course e-learning followed by 17 on-site days of free-thinking design exercises, didactic learning, hands-on treatment planning computer sessions (39% of total teaching time), virtual simulation training and departmental demonstration sessions. Email support is offered to all teams for 3 months after each course to develop clinical protocols. Thirteen teams (radiation oncologist, medical physicist and radiation therapy technologist) from Africa attended the course between 2015 and 2019, with additional participants from seven South African and four international centres. E-learning done on the LäraNära training platform was only successful once formal progress tracking was introduced in 2019 (34% vs. 76% test completion rate). Delays between course attendance and initial clinical use of equipment proved to be detrimental to knowledge retention, with some centres having to send a second team for training. The course will be modified for remote teaching in 2021, to make provision for the global changes in travel due to Covid-19.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: measures to improve the outlook in sub-Saharan Africa

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a leading public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, and it is most prevalent in young adults (median 45 years [IQR 35-57]). Overall, outcomes are poor, with a median survival of 2·5 months after presentation. Major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma are hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus, aflatoxin B1 exposure, and alcohol consumption, with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease slowly emerging as a risk factor over the past few years. Crucially, these risk factors are preventable and manageable with effective implementation of the HBV birth-dose vaccination, treatment of chronic viral hepatitis, provision of harm reduction services, and by decreasing aflatoxin B1 exposure and harmful alcohol consumption. Primary prevention is central to the management of hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in poorly resourced environments. Effective screening and surveillance programmes with recall policies need to be implemented, because detection and curative management of hepatocellular carcinoma is possible if it is detected at an early stage, even in countries with minimal resources, with appropriate upskilling of medical personnel. The establishment of centres of excellence with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities within countries should improve hepatocellular carcinoma outcomes and assist in driving the implementation of much needed systematic data systems focused on hepatocellular carcinoma to establish the accurate burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Such data would support the public health importance of hepatocellular carcinoma and provide a strong basis for advocacy, programme development, resource allocation, and monitoring of progress in reducing mortality.

Distribution of Cancer and Cancer Screening and Treatment Services in Lagos: A 10-Year Review of Hospital Records

PURPOSE

In Lagos State, Nigeria, the population distribution of cancers is poorly described because studies are conducted at a few tertiary hospitals. Therefore, this study aims to map all health facilities where cancer screening takes place and describe the cases of cancer screened for and treated.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey to identify facilities involved in screening and management of cancers was performed followed by extraction of data on individual cases of cancer screened for and treated at these facilities from 2011 to 2020. All health care facilities in the state were visited, and the survey was performed using standardized national tools modified to capture additional information on cancer screening and treatment. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 14 and R version 3.6.3.

RESULTS

Cervical cancer was the commonest cancer, accounting for 55% of 2,420 cancers screened, followed by breast (41%), prostate (4%), and colorectal cancers (0.2%). Of the 7,682 cancers treated among Lagos residents, the top five were breast (45%), colorectal (8%), cervical (8%), prostate (5%), and ovarian (4%). The female:male ratio of cancer cases was 3:1. The peak age for cancer among females and males was in the 40- to 49-year age group and 60- to 69-year age group, respectively. The Ikorodu local government area had the highest rate of reported cancer per million population.

CONCLUSION

Cancer screening is poor with a significant gap in screening for breast cancer since it is the commonest cancer in the state. The findings indicate the urgent need for the establishment of organized screening programs for the predominant cancers in the state and the prioritization of cancer research that addresses key policy and program questions.

The University of Cape Town’s paediatric cancer database: Results from the first years (2019–2021)

Background: The paediatric oncology multidisciplinary team at the University of Cape Town (UCT) developed a research-ready data set.Aim: This study aimed to describe the early results detailing the epidemiological profile of childhood cancer patients and evaluated factors associated with presentation and outcome.Setting: The UCT paediatric oncology platform at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH) and Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH).Methods: A REDCap database was developed with a Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) grant. A database administrator consented all new patients and recorded demographic and social information.Results: There were 212 children consented from 2019 to 2021: 109 girls and 103 boys. The age range was from 1 day to 15.98 years, with a median of 5.18 years. Only 32 (15%) of these families had medical insurance, 34 (16%) lived in informal housing and 25 (12%) did not have access to piped water. Seventy-four families (35%) reported a relative with cancer, including seven first degree relatives. With a median follow-up of 12.4 months, the estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) was 77% and 72%, respectively. Overall survival was significantly different (p = 0.013) by disease group, varying from 100% for Wilms tumour and germ cell tumours to 52% for rhabdomyosarcoma. Most patients with solid tumours (72%) had advanced disease at diagnosis. Outcomes were poorer for children living in informal housing and without piped water.Conclusion: A real-time database can provide a research-ready data set for interrogating cohort-specific factors impacting childhood cancer outcomes. 

Promoting Best Practice in Cancer Care in Sub Saharan Africa

Promoting best practice in the management of a cancer patient is rooted in the application of new knowledge derived through various sources including population science, laboratory advances, and translational research. Ultimately, the impact of these advances depends on their application at the patient's bedside. A close collaboration between the oncologist and the pathologist is critical in underwriting progress in the management of the cancer patient. Recent advancements have shown that more granular characteristics of the tumor and the microenvironment are defining determinants when it comes to disease course and overall outcome. Whereas, histologic features and basic immunohistochemical characterization were previously adequate to define the tumor and establish treatment recommendation, the growing capability of the pathologist to provide molecular characterization of the tumor and its microenvironment, as well as, the availability of novel therapeutic agents have revolutionized cancer treatment paradigms and improved patient-outcomes and survival. While such capacity and capability appear readily available in most developed high-income countries (HIC), it will take a concerted and collaborative effort of all stakeholders to pave the way in the same stride in the low and middle-income countries (LMIC), which bear a disproportionate burden of human illness and cancers. Patients in the LMIC present with disease at advanced stage and often display characteristics unlike those encountered in the developed world. To keep stride and avoid the disenfranchisement of patients in the LMIC will require greater participation of LMIC patients on the global clinical trial platform, and a more equitable and affordable sharing of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities between the developed and developing world. Key to the success of this progress and improvement of patient outcomes in the developing world is the close collaboration between the oncologist and the pathologist in this new era of precision and personalized medicine.

Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020: a review of current estimates of the national burden, data gaps, and future needs

BACKGROUND

With the cancer burden rising in sub-Saharan Africa, countries in the region need surveillance systems to measure the magnitude of the problem and monitor progress in cancer control planning. Based on the national estimates built from data provided by cancer registries in sub-Saharan Africa, we summarise key patterns of the regional burden and argue for investments in locally produced data.

METHODS

To present national estimates of the cancer incidence and mortality burden in sub-Saharan Africa countries, new cancer cases and deaths were extracted from International Agency for Research on Cancers' GLOBOCAN database for the year 2020. Given weak vital statistics systems, almost all of the information on the cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa was derived from population-based cancer registries. Of the 48 countries included in GLOBOCAN (national populations must be larger than 150 000 inhabitants in 2020), relatively recent cancer registry data (up to 2019) were directly used to produce national incidence estimates in 25 countries, while the absence of such data for 16 meant that estimates were based on data from neighbouring countries. Tables and figures present the estimated numbers of new cases and deaths, as well as age-standardised (incidence or mortality) rates per 100 000 person-years and the cumulative risk of developing or dying from cancer before the age of 75 years.

FINDINGS

801 392 new cancer cases and 520 158 cancer deaths were estimated to have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020. Cancers of the breast (129 400 female cases) and cervix (110 300 cases) were responsible for three in ten of the cancers diagnosed in both sexes. Breast and cervical cancer were the most common cancers, ranking first in 28 and 19 countries, respectively. In men, prostate cancer led in terms of incidence (77 300 cases), followed by liver cancer (24 700 cases) and colorectal cancer (23 400 cases). Prostate cancer was the leading incident cancer in men in 40 sub-Saharan Africa countries. The risk of a woman in sub-Saharan Africa developing cancer by the age of 75 years was 14·1%, with breast cancer (4·1%) and cervical cancer (3·5%) responsible for half of this risk. For men, the corresponding cumulative incidence was lower (12·2%), with prostate cancer responsible for a third of this risk (4·2%). Cervical cancer was the leading form of cancer death among women in 27 countries, followed by breast cancer (21 countries). Prostate cancer led as the most common type of cancer death in 26 countries, with liver cancer ranking second (11 countries).

INTERPRETATION

The estimates indicate substantial geographical variations in the major cancers in sub-Saharan Africa. Rational cancer control planning requires capacity to be built for data production, analysis, and interpretation within the countries themselves. Cancer registries provide important information in this respect and should be prioritised for sustainable investment in the region.

FUNDING

None.

Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a Lancet Oncology Commission

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), urgent action is needed to curb a growing crisis in cancer incidence and mortality. Without rapid interventions, data estimates show a major increase in cancer mortality from 520 348 in 2020 to about 1 million deaths per year by 2030. Here, we detail the state of cancer in SSA, recommend key actions on the basis of analysis, and highlight case studies and successful models that can be emulated, adapted, or improved across the region to reduce the growing cancer crises. Recommended actions begin with the need to develop or update national cancer control plans in each country. Plans must include childhood cancer plans, managing comorbidities such as HIV and malnutrition, a reliable and predictable supply of medication, and the provision of psychosocial, supportive, and palliative care. Plans should also engage traditional, complementary, and alternative medical practices employed by more than 80% of SSA populations and pathways to reduce missed diagnoses and late referrals. More substantial investment is needed in developing cancer registries and cancer diagnostics for core cancer tests. We show that investments in, and increased adoption of, some approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as hypofractionated radiotherapy and telehealth, can substantially increase access to cancer care in Africa, accelerate cancer prevention and control efforts, increase survival, and save billions of US dollars over the next decade. The involvement of African First Ladies in cancer prevention efforts represents one practical approach that should be amplified across SSA. Moreover, investments in workforce training are crucial to prevent millions of avoidable deaths by 2030. We present a framework that can be used to strategically plan cancer research enhancement in SSA, with investments in research that can produce a return on investment and help drive policy and effective collaborations. Expansion of universal health coverage to incorporate cancer into essential benefits packages is also vital. Implementation of the recommended actions in this Commission will be crucial for reducing the growing cancer crises in SSA and achieving political commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030.

Gynecological radiation oncology in sub-Saharan Africa: status, problems and considerations for the future

Gynecological malignancies in Africa form a significant part of the burden of disease. The high prevalence of HIV in some countries creates a heightened risk for development of human papilloma virus related cancers such as cervical, vulval and vaginal cancers. Radiotherapy is an important modality of treatment for cancer and in Africa compensates for the lack of adequate surgical services for a large proportion of cancers as well as being a cornerstone of treatment for locally advanced cancers and palliation. In this review we look at the status of radiotherapy services in sub-Saharan Africa and critical factors that influence its delivery with a focus on gynecological malignancies. This unveils that radiotherapy for gynecological cancers in sub-Saharan Africa is a significant example of the need for a holistic development approach across different sectors of the economy and different disciplines of medicine. The complexity of its management continues to expose the underdevelopment of health and financial systems and the lack of universal health coverage and social systems as we continue to see unnecessary morbidity and mortality due to the lack of organization. More systematic and scientifically robust investigations tailored to the various sub-Saharan Africa countries need to be conducted to elicit disruptive local solutions to the status quo.

Age-standardised incidence rate and epidemiology of colorectal cancer in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths globally, with low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) disproportionately affected. Estimates of CRC rates in LMIC are scarce. We aimed to (1) estimate sex-specific incidence of CRC, (2) estimate temporal trend and (3) determine regional variations of CRC rates on the African continent.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis METHODS: PubMed (MEDLINE), OVID (MEDLINE), Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from inception to 12 December 2020. We included population-based studies that reported the incidence or prevalence estimates of CRC in Africa. Studies not conducted in humans or did not directly report the rates of CRC were excluded. Random effects model was used to pool the estimates. The methodological quality of studies was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall and sex-specific annual age-standardised incidence rates (ASIR) of CRC per 100 000 population.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 14 studies consisting of 3365 individuals with CRC (mean age, 58 years, 53% male). The overall ASIR of CRC in Africa per 100 000 population was 5.25 (95% CI 4.08 to 6.75). The rates were slightly higher in males (4.76) than in females (4.18), but not significantly different. Subgroup analysis indicated greater point estimates in North Africa (8.66) compared with sub-Saharan Africa (5.91); and higher estimates in Eastern (8.29) and Northern (8.66) Africa compared with Western (3.55) and Southern (3.57) Africa, but not statistically significant. The overall trend in ASIR has remained constant at nearly 5 per 100 000 population for the last 6 decades.

CONCLUSION

CRC estimates in Africa are heterogeneous and could be underestimated. High-quality data collection systems such as population-based cancer registries may facilitate accurate estimation of country-specific rates and provide critical information which would be lucrative to the consideration of resources needed for screening, early detection, treatment and improving overall patient outcomes.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population-based cancer registry

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to national health systems and impacted health outcomes worldwide. However, the extent to which surveillance systems, such as population-based cancer registration, have been affected was not reported. Here we sought to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on registry operations across different areas and development levels worldwide. We investigated the impact of COVID-19 on three main areas of cancer registry operations: staffing, financing and data collection. An online survey was administered to 750 member registries of the International Association for Cancer Registries. Among 212 responding registries from 90 countries, 65.6% reported a disruption in operations, ranging between 45% in south-eastern Asia and 87% in the Latin America and Caribbean. Active data collection was disrupted more than case notifications or hybrid methods. In countries categorized with low Human Development Index (HDI), a greater number of registries reported a negative impact (81.3%) than in very high HDI countries (57.8%). This contrast was highest in term of impact on financing: 9/16 (56%) registries in low HDI countries reported a current or an expected decline in funding, compared to 7/108 (7%) in very high HDI countries. With many cancer registries worldwide reporting disruption to their operations during the early COVID-19 pandemic, urgent actions are needed to ensure their continuity. Governmental commitment to support future registry operations as an asset to disease control, alongside a move toward electronic reporting systems will help to ensure the sustainability of cancer surveillance worldwide.

Burden of esophageal cancer and its attributable risk factors in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer is a global health concern. Regularly updated data about the burden of esophageal cancer are essential for formulating specific public policies. We aimed to estimate the global, regional, and national burden and trends of esophageal cancer and its attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2019, by age, sex and socio-demographic index (SDI).

METHODS

Data about the incidence, death, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and age-standardized rates were collected from Global Burden of Disease study 2019. Estimated annual percentage changes were used to quantify the temporal trends of age-standardized rates. Moreover, the risk factors attributable to esophageal cancer deaths were also presented.

RESULTS

There were 534,563 incident cases and 498,067 deaths in 2019, contributing to 11,666,017 DALYs. The absolute numbers of incidence, death, and DALYs had increased from 1990 to 2019, contrasting with declined changes in their corresponding age-standardized rates. The burden of esophageal cancer varied across different regions and countries, and the age-standardized rates were negative with SDI. Almost half of the esophageal cancer was concentrated in China. Males accounted for most of the burden of esophageal cancer, and the onset age tended to be older. The death of esophageal cancer was primarily attributable to smoking, followed by alcohol use, high body mass index, diet low in fruits and diet low in vegetables.

CONCLUSION

The burden of esophageal cancer was heterogeneous across regions and countries by sex, age, and SDI, providing information for governments that may help to formulate more targeted policies.

Radiotherapy resources in Africa: an International Atomic Energy Agency update and analysis of projected needs

The number of patients with cancer in Africa has been predicted to increase from 844 279 in 2012 to more than 1·5 million in 2030. However, many countries in Africa still lack access to radiotherapy as a part of comprehensive cancer care. The objective of this analysis is to present an updated overview of radiotherapy resources in Africa and to analyse the gaps and needs of the continent for 2030 in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Data from 54 African countries on teletherapy megavoltage units and brachytherapy afterloaders were extracted from the Directory for Radiotherapy Centres, an electronic, centralised, and continuously updated database of radiotherapy centres. Cancer incidence and future predictions were taken from the GLOBOCAN 2018 database of the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Radiotherapy need was estimated using a 64% radiotherapy utilisation rate, while assuming a machine throughput of 500 patients per year. As of March, 2020, 28 (52%) of 54 countries had access to external beam radiotherapy, 21 (39%) had brachytherapy capacity, and no country had a capacity that matched the estimated treatment need. Median income was an important predictor of the availability of megavoltage machines: US$1883 (IQR 914-3269) in countries without any machines versus $4485 (3079-12480) in countries with at least one megavoltage machine (p=0·0003). If radiotherapy expansion continues at the rate observed over the past 7 years, it is unlikely that the continent will meet its radiotherapy needs. This access gap might impact the ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the target to reduce preventable, premature mortality by a third, and meet the target of the cervical cancer elimination strategy of 90% with access to treatment. Urgent, novel initiatives in financing and human capacity building are needed to change the trajectory and provide comprehensive cancer care to patients in Africa in the next decade.

The Global, Regional, and National Burden and Trends of Breast Cancer From 1990 to 2019: Results From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BACKGROUND

The burden of breast cancer has been increasing globally. The epidemiology burden and trends need to be updated. This study aimed to update the burden and trends of breast cancer incidences, deaths, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019, using the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study.

METHODS

The data of incidences, deaths, DALYs, and age-standardized rates were extracted. Estimated annual percentage changes were used to quantify the trends of age-standardized rates. Besides, the population attributable fractions of the risk factors of breast cancer were also estimated.

RESULTS

Globally, the incidences of breast cancer increased to 2,002,354 in 2019. High social-development index (SDI) quintiles had the highest incidence cases with a declining trend in age-standardized incidence rate. In 2019, the global deaths and DALYs of breast cancer increased to 700,660 and 20,625,313, respectively. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized mortality rates and age-standardized DALY rates declined globally, especially in high and high-middle SDI quintiles. Besides, the trends varied from different regions and countries. The proportion of the patients in the 70+ years age group increased globally. Deaths of breast cancer attributable to high fasting plasma glucose and high body mass index increased globally, and high fasting plasma glucose was the greatest contributor to the global breast cancer deaths.

CONCLUSION

The burden of breast cancer in higher SDI quintiles had gone down while the burden was still on the rise in lower SDI quintiles. It is necessary to appeal to the public to decrease the exposure of the risk factors.