Pain Management in Prostate Cancer Patients in Africa

Abstract Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy and the leading cause of cancer death in men across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite lower reported incidence rates compared to African American men, actual prostate cancer prevalence in SSA is under-reported and likely underestimated due to inadequate screening and limited access to healthcare. This study analyzed registry data from 13,170 prostate cancer cases across 11 SSA countries to evaluate trends in incidence rates over time. Findings revealed a significant increase in cumulative risks (CR) and age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) over time. Despite this increasing incidence, opioid consumption for pain management in cancer care remains low and stagnant across the continent, reflecting an important gap in palliative care services. As cancer incidence in SSA is projected to rise dramatically by 2050, there is an urgent need for policy interventions to improve access to diagnostic services, cancer care, and adequate pain management.