Africa & Prostate Cancer

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Comment by Obiageli E Nnodu, MD on June 9, 2008 at 5:18pm

The main problem about cancer incidences in Africa is the paucity of population based cancer registries. The IARC has some data, also the cancer registry in Ibadan, Nigeria. I am not aware of any comparative research among tribal groups in Africa on prostate cancer incidence.
The African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer AORTIC is doing a good job of bringing key players in cancer control in Africa together and had a major conference in Capetown in October 2007.

Comment by Mike on June 9, 2008 at 9:25am

Lucy: I think that's why we need to form relationships with the organizations that have specific interests in cancer in Africa, such as AfrOx and the IARC. They may have the financial muscle to fund some of these activities. We need to identify others too. I have some ideas here, but haven't "fleshed them out" yet.

Comment by Lucy Luusah-Mutuku on June 9, 2008 at 3:15am

Mike, Your curiosity in possible variables of Prostrate Cancer incidences as relates to the Ethinic African subpopulations your examples of Zulu and Yoruba can only be known by collecting some data from the local Activist. I would be interested to even know that too in my country with the Masai, the Luo and the Turkana people. ( Sounds like a start of a Scientific research!) Very interesting, we may find something new!!!! Would this explain something!?

Comment by Lucy Luusah-Mutuku on June 9, 2008 at 2:58am

Men suffer alot of things silently, (no one to blame, just their nature!) Lo! In developed countries there are so many ways to help the man be detected earlier even in his quietness! In developing countries and especially in Africa we need to use a technique that will make the men aware of this silent creeper and also have top Doctors equiped with the necessary equipments to help. We need to take informative teaching materials to the local hospitals and clinics and we can start I think by having one of you or a few of you come out here and meet and strategise. It is expensive to come out here, but we need to think on this line a little so that we enact a strong Root/Base.May not be in Kenya only, any place in Africa I think will do then spread to the whole country. There is a great need of the Equipments and ofcourse an introduction seminar or training for a few days and I am sure the Local clinics and hospitals would be more than willing to buy them. That man in the Village needs to be made aware taking him out of ignorance! Men in suits in the office will be reached by the informative printed materials and local dailies and Media.We need to make just one extra mile and all men will walk to the Doctor to have a diagnosis and get more awareness. A man will listen to another person on one on one basis.Thats all we need to do. Is the Idea of a few of you coming out to a place in Africa to start a root any worthy thinking about!?

Comment by Mike on June 3, 2008 at 8:11am

So (as someone who grew up partially in West Africa). What, if anything, do we know about the relative incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer in the major ethnic African subpopulations (e.g., Zulu as compared to Yoraba, etc.)?