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. 2023 Aug 1;15(1):e1-e13.
doi: 10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.3749.

Epidemiology and demographics of head and neck cancer in Africa: A scoping review

Jaishika Seedat  1 , Kim Coutts, Ellen Vlok
Affiliations

Epidemiology and demographics of head and neck cancer in Africa: A scoping review

Jaishika Seedat et al. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med. .

Abstract

Background: Low- to middle-income countries account for 70% of global cancer deaths. Evidence of the changing prevalence of head and neck cancer in Africa in terms of gender, race and epidemiology will inform future research and health planning.

Aim: To synthesise epidemiological literature for head and neck cancer in Africa from 2010 to 2020.

Method: A scoping review was completed. The Joanna Briggs Institute Population, context and concept framework confirmed the inclusion criteria. Studies from Africa that included participant demographics, the types, stages, signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer were selected. Five databases were used. Descriptive statistics was completed.

Results: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalysis guided the reporting of the findings. Of the 1891 articles downloaded, 66 were included in the final review. Nigeria produced the most studies and oral cancer at 74% was most prevalent. Substance abuse was the most prevalent cause. Diagnosis of head and neck cancers were in the late stage (stage IV) when signs and symptoms were severe. Males of lower socioeconomic status tended to have less health seeking behaviour.

Conclusion: Countries from North Africa produce the most research outputs on head and neck cancers. Gender differences were noted and may be linked to lifestyle choices. A range of head and neck cancers (HNCs) are prevalent however late diagnosis and severe symptomatology impact treatment options.Contribution: Earlier diagnosis and intervention to prevent late-stage diagnosis is necessary. Awareness campaigns linked to evidence on causes, habits and lifestyle choices, signs and symptoms are needed.

Keywords: Africa; demographics; epidemiology; gender.; head and neck cancer; scoping review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and MetaAnalysis flowchart for article selection.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
The seven countries in Africa with the highest outputs of head and neck cancers.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Affected anatomical sub-sites for the oral and oropharyngeal cavity.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Stages of head and neck cancers according to anatomic region.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
The top ten most reported signs and symptoms.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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