Examining the Challenging and Strategies for Improving Prostate Cancer Screening in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer has been described as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men aged 40 years and above, especially in developing countries including Nigeria. By 2030, the global burden of prostate cancer which is currently the fifth leading cause of death worldwide is expected to hit 1.7 million new cases and 499,000 new deaths. Although the precise causes of prostate cancer are unknown, age, race, family history, lifestyle, and genetic variations are considered to be important risk factors. Digital rectal examination and prostate specific antigen screening are two methods of routinely screening for prostate cancer that can help discover the disease early and optimize incidence, minimize prevalence, and lower the death rate. According to studies, men from Nigeria are less likely to undergo screening because of a variety of issues, including fatalistic views, a lack of awareness of prostate cancer and its risk factors, false assumptions about the process, and a lack of support from the service provider. Objectives; The purpose of this review is to examine challenges and strategies to improve prostate cancer screening and offer suggestions for enhancing them in Nigeria. Method; The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) standards were followed in the conduct of this review. Using search keywords like prostate cancer, risk factors, screening, and preventative approaches, scholarly papers published in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from 2018-2024 were obtained for this review Conclusion; This analysis suggests that institutional frameworks and policy guidelines be established and maintained in order to develop programs that educate Nigerian men about prostate cancer and the advantages of early screening.