The burden of Prostate Cancer in Africa: Insights from GLOBOCAN 2024 and Projections through 2050

Abstract Background Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality among men in Africa. This study aimed to describe the current incidence and mortality of prostate cancer across 54 African countries using GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates and to project the anticipated burden through the year 2050. Methods A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted using country-level data extracted from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2024 and projected estimates for 2050 from the Cancer Tomorrow platform. The study evaluated the absolute incidence, mortality, age-standardized rates (ASR), and cumulative risks for all 54 African Union member states, which were further grouped into the five United Nations subregions. Results In 2024, Africa recorded an estimated 111,450 new prostate cancer cases and 61,755 deaths, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer (21.5%) and the leading cause of cancer death (18.4%) among African men. Southern Africa reported the highest incidence ASR (59.9 per 100,000), while Western Africa experienced the highest mortality ASR (24.6 per 100,000). At the national level, Zimbabwe recorded the highest ASR for both incidence (113.5 per 100,000) and mortality (71.4 per 100,000). Africa's mortality-to-incidence ratio stood at a disproportionate 55.4%, roughly twice the global proportion of 27.2%. By 2050, the continental burden is projected to rise sharply, with Eastern Africa expected to record the highest relative increases in both incidence (183.1%) and mortality (184.1%). Conclusion The burden of prostate cancer in Africa is substantial, with a high mortality-to-incidence ratio reflecting widespread limitations in diagnostic and treatment capacity. Driven by a growing and aging population, the disease burden is projected to more than double by 2050. Addressing this impending public health challenge requires urgent prioritization of oncology training, expanded radiotherapy access, and the implementation of robust screening programs across the continent.