Burden of Lung Cancer and Associated Risk Factors in Africa by Region

Abstract

Purpose: Lung cancer is the most common incident cancer worldwide, accounting for 13% of all cancers. With decreasing burden of infectious diseases and increasing life expectancy in Africa, this study sought to identify risk factors for lung cancer and suggest mitigation strategies for implementation. Methods: Lung cancer incidence rates for the different regions of Africa were determined using data from GLOBOCAN (2012) and risk factors were determined through an extensive literature review. Results: Males have higher lung cancer incidence rates than females in all regions of Africa. The combined male and female incidence rates for Middle, Eastern, and Western Africa, were lower than those observed in Southern and Northern Africa. The incidence rates of lung cancer were highest in Southern Africa (18.5 per 100,000) followed by France La Reunion (17.6 per 100,000). Smoking was the most common risk factor studied followed by occupational/ environmental risk factors, and infectious agents (e.g., HIV). A limited number of candidate gene studies have evaluated the genetic susceptibility to lung cancer in these populations. Not all regions of Africa have had research studies published on the etiologic risk factors of lung cancer. Conclusions: The lung cancer incidence rates are lower in Africa compared to incidence rates elsewhere, possibly due to a true lack of cases or detection biases. There is limited data on lung cancer (particularly risk factors) in Africa, especially Central, Eastern and Western Africa, pointing out the need for more research, prior to considering targeted mitigation policies.