According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 542,000 new cases of male cancers are diagnosed each year in Africa, leading to nearly 336,000 annual deaths. This growing burden imposes a considerable social and economic cost on often underfunded health systems.
Prostate cancer is most common among men in Africa, accounting for approximately 23% of male cancers diagnosed in the region. In West Africa, for example, it represents more than 30% of cancers in men. Mortality due to this cancer is particularly high due to a lack of early detection and appropriate medical infrastructure. In many African countries, access to specialized healthcare, such as oncology, is limited, forcing patients to travel long distances to receive a diagnosis or treatment.
Liver cancer is also very widespread, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries, where it is often linked to chronic hepatitis B infections. In fact, it is estimated that one in eight Africans is a chronic carrier of the hepatitis B virus. hepatitis B, thereby increasing the risk of developing liver cancer. According to the WHO, liver cancer accounts for approximately 15% of cancer deaths among men in sub-Saharan Africa.
Smoking, although less prevalent than in the West, also contributes to the increase in lung cancer, particularly in North Africa and certain urban regions. Tobacco consumption in some African countries has increased by 52% over the last ten years, leading to an increase in cancers linked to this practice. In 2022, the WHO estimated that around 70,000 African men died each year from lung cancer, a figure that could further increase if prevention measures are not taken quickly.
The lack of awareness and access to screening is a crucial problem. In many regions, prevention remains minimal, and diagnoses often arrive late, reducing the chances of survival. According to a study published by The Lancet Oncology, only 10% of African countries have a national cancer control program, and in those that do, resources remain limited.
The WHO and other global health organizations are therefore calling for intensified efforts to improve screening and treatment of male cancers in Africa. Investment in health infrastructure and public awareness are absolute priorities. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many male cancers can be successfully treated, providing an increased chance of survival for millions of African men.
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