Year: 2025 | Month: January | Volume: 15 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 207-218
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250127
Challenges and Opportunities for Lung Cancer Early Detection Strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Kabwe Chishala Nkosha1, Eustarckio Kazonga2, Tyson Chipokoso3, Patricia Lumbuka4, Steven Miti5, Jessica Mwale6, Stephen Chola7
1Department of Public Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia.
Corresponding Author: Kabwe Chishala Nkosha
ABSTRACT
Background: Lung cancer constitutes a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where limited resources and diverse sociocultural factors complicate early detection efforts. This systematic review aims to explore the landscape of lung cancer screening in sub-Saharan Africa, identifying challenges and opportunities for improving early detection strategies.
Methods: A systematic review methodology was employed to examine current research on lung cancer screening in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 3325 articles were found and after using main concepts related to this research “Lung cancer screening" AND "sub-Saharan Africa" AND "early diagnosis", 1438 were screened with only 12 meeting the criteria. Searches were conducted across databases such as PubMed Central and Google Scholar covering literature from 2018 to 2023.
Results: The review identified 6 articles meeting the inclusion criteria, focusing on various aspects of lung cancer within sub-Saharan Africa. Smoking emerged as the predominant risk factor, with a prevalence of 81.2% (95% CI 72.2 - 87.4), followed by exposure to harmful mineral dust (56.2%, 95% CI 45.4 - 66.4). Low awareness and knowledge of lung cancer screening were evident, with only 18.7% (95% CI 14.2 - 24.3) of participants aware of screening programs. Challenges included limited resources, economic restrictions, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, hindering effective screening strategies.
Conclusion: This systematic review provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for lung cancer screening in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings underscore the need for tailored interventions addressing sociocultural determinants, improving awareness, and enhancing healthcare infrastructure to mitigate the burden of lung cancer.
Key words: Lung cancer screening, sub-Saharan Africa, early diagnosis, low-resource settings, cost-effectiveness analysis