PREVALENCE OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA AND PROSTATE CANCER IN AFRICANS AND AFRICANS IN THE DIASPORA

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited data exists on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PC) prevalence in African populations.
• Existing studies primarily focus on non-African countries and diverse racial groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current literature on the prevalence of BPH and PC in Africans and other racial groups.
• To compare prevalence rates across different ethnicities and geographical regions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Data on BPH, PC, and co-existing BPH and PC prevalence was analyzed.
• Focus was placed on studies involving African populations and comparisons with other races.

Main Results:

• BPH prevalence in Ghana is significant, contributing to acute urinary retention and hematuria.
• Worldwide BPH prevalence ranges from 20-62% in men over 50.
• Prostate cancer prevalence is high in African Americans and Caribbean Blacks, with varying reports from Africa, potentially due to underreporting and limited screening.

Conclusions:

• Evidence suggests a high prevalence of BPH and PC in Africans and individuals of African descent.
• Low reported prevalence in some African countries is likely due to underreporting.
• Further studies, including screening in living populations, are recommended to ascertain true prevalence, though PC screening remains controversial.