Gastric Cancer Prevention Efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Example of Zambia and Nigeria

Without any intervention, a more than six-fold increase in gastric cancer cases is expected in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) among people born between 2008 and 2017. Therefore, initiatives aimed at curbing this projected increase are urgently required. In this review, we highlight the efforts made in two SSA countries, Zambia and Nigeria.

A thorough review of the published literature on gastric cancer in both countries was conducted. We did not employ any time limits, and all information sources were consistent with our predetermined objectives. Articles in English were obtained from Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and AJOL. We also conducted an in-depth analysis of the gastric cancer risk factors reported in Zambia.

Zambia and Nigeria lack active population-based gastric cancer prevention programs. However, concerted efforts are being made to understand the occurrence of gastric cancer and its major risk factor, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. As in other countries, H. pylori resistance to commonly used antibiotics affects the success rate of eradication therapy. Initiatives are underway to collect robust data and design optimal therapies for H. pylori eradication that are suitable for the SSA population.

Zambia and Nigeria have recently made significant strides in collating information on gastric cancer and its risk factors. This is despite the many prevailing challenges, compounded by resource limitations.