The intersection of culture and prostate cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

Abstract

Background In sub-Saharan Africa, prostate cancer poses a growing burden, with projections indicating a near dou bling of deaths by 2040. Cultural beliefs and stigmas surrounding prostate cancer can deter men from seeking timely medical care until the disease has advanced. This systematic review explores the intersection of cultural influences on prostate cancer care in sub-Saharan Africa, identifying barriers and facilitators to improving health outcomes for sub-Saharan African men. Method We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus from 2000 to 2023 for studies and reports focusing on cultural beliefs, health-seeking behaviors, traditional medicine for prostate cancer care, and healthcare access related to prostate cancer care in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, we used data from the African Cancer Regis try and the Global Cancer Observatory to gather information on prostate cancer cases. Results We included 34 studies in this review. These studies revealed that there are diverse cultural perceptions influencing attitudes to prostate cancer, such as associating it with spiritual causes or issues of masculinity, leading to stigma and delays in seeking medical care in sub-Saharan Africa. Mostly, men perceive prostate cancer screening negatively due to fears of discomfort, social stigma, fatalism, and misconceptions about the causes and outcomes of the disease. Effective strategies for improving awareness about prostate cancer include community engagement, media outreach, healthcare provider education, and enhancing accessibility to screening services, particularly in rural areas. Conclusion This study highlights the significant impact of cultural beliefs on prostate cancer care-seeking behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa and uncovers widespread misconceptions and stigmas that impede timely diagnosis and treat ment. Our findings show the urgent need for culturally tailored interventions to increase awareness, correct mis conceptions, and diminish the stigma associated with prostate cancer in the region. This is essential for enhancing prostate cancer outcomes and addressing the anticipated increase in cases.