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Africa: African Men Most At Risk of Prostate Cancer – New Study Flags Genetic Causes

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1 month ago

December 11, 2024

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A breakthrough study has identified the genetic risk factors that contribute to increased prostate cancer in African men. The study, the largest of its kind, recruited 7,500 men from eastern, southern and west Africa. The study is especially important because African men have a high risk of prostate cancer.
Medical scientist Wenlong Carl Chen explains why the findings are significant and the promise they hold for future treatment.
What did your research look into and why?
Prostate cancer disproportionately affects men of African descent. Studies from the US and African countries report a higher occurrence of prostate cancer in men of African ancestry when compared with men of other ancestries. Men of African and African Caribbean ancestry were also found to be at higher risk of developing a more aggressive form of prostate cancer and of developing it at a younger age when compared with men of European ancestry. Prostate cancer also accounts for nearly one-quarter of all cancer cases diagnosed in Africa.
Our study aimed at uncovering aspects of genetic architecture of prostate cancer that were specific to men of African descent. In other words, we wanted to understand what it is about African men’s genetic makeup that puts them at higher risk for prostate cancer.
Evidence emerging in the literature suggests that genetic risk factors significantly contribute to the development of prostate cancer. Genetic risks can be put into two groups:
Hereditary risk factors or germline mutations: There are rare genetic mutations in genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, that have been linked to increased risks for developing cancers. Mutations in BRCA2 particularly are linked to higher risks of developing more aggressive prostate cancer.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms or variants: These are common genetic variants that are linked to increased disease risk. Each variant by itself confers a very small increase in risk. But several variants combined may raise the risk profiles for a disease.
In this study, we assessed the risk contributed by inherited genetic variants to prostate cancer.
Despite the high burden of disease, genetic studies of prostate cancer in continental African populations are limited. The technology needed for these studies is typically very expensive and requires specialised instruments which are very scarce in Africa.
Read more: Major study unveils complexity and vast diversity of Africa’s genetic variation
What’s unique about your work?
To better understand the genetic causes of disease, we needed to study diverse populations, particularly African populations. African populations have much higher genetic diversity when compared with other populations. As the place of origin of Homo sapiens, the African population is much older than other populations and has therefore had more time to accumulate genetic variations.
Ours is the largest study to date to investigate the ancestry-specific genetic architectures and disease associations for prostate cancer across multiple regions in sub-Saharan Africa.
Numerous studies like this have been conducted worldwide. But participation from Africa, both in terms of researchers and study participants, is very low.
How did you go about your research?
Our consortium, the Men of African Descent, Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP), was formed in 2016. Hospitals and universities in five African countries – Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Uganda and South Africa – partnered with several US-based universities to form the consortium. The US National Institute of Health provided funding.
The African centres enrolled men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and, as controls, men of the same population groups who did not have cancer. Demographic, social, economic, and clinical information and bio-samples were collected from the participants.
Our study consisted of 3,963 prostate cancer cases and 3,509 controls. Most bio-sample processing and genotyping was performed in Africa, using a custom genotyping array. A “genotyping array” provides information on hundreds of thousands of DNA variants. This specific one was designed and optimised to capture African genetic variations.
What did you find?
We identified three loci (genetic regions) with a strong association with increased prostate cancer incidence. The lead signals within these loci were common in African populations but were almost absent in non-African populations.
Although these three loci were previously found in other populations, our signals within these loci are unique to African populations. They would not have been found if we had not studied African populations.
There are also differences within Africa. The genetic parts that contribute to prostate cancer risk differ by geographical population.
Why does your research matter?
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It is crucial to study diseases in populations with the highest disease burden.
Our findings highlight the importance of studying the possible causes of disease in diverse populations.
We found novel associations by studying the genetics of prostate cancer across Africa. These signals would not have been found in studies done outside Africa.
The genetic diversity of African populations further allowed us to fine-map the regions of associations to better understand what’s driving the signals.
Our findings pave the way for the development of genetic tools that could grade people by their degree of risk.
Another example of this was a 2019 study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics which used genetics to predict the risk of breast cancer. Women placed in higher risk groups would become eligible to enter the UK breast cancer screening programme at a much earlier age.
The results from our study will lay the foundation for the development and implementation of similar tools in an African setting.
Wenlong Carl Chen, Researcher, University of the Witwatersrand
This article is republished from The Conversation Africa under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Africa: Senegal Coach Diallo – 'We Are Not Overwhelmed By the Pressure of Champions'

Published

41 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

An24 Africa

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Successor to Pape Thiaw, the man who led Senegal to the title of African champion at the TotalEnergies CHAN 2022 in Algeria, Souleymane Diallo now bears the responsibility of defending the continental crown.
A few weeks before the kick-off of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) to be played in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from 1-28 February, he shares his state of mind, his team’s preparations and the challenges of this new edition.
With a wealth of experience on the continental stage, Diallo is aware of the expectations placed on him and his squad, which is largely made up of new faces.
In this exclusive interview, he talks about the pressure of being the title holder and the strategic importance of the CHAN for domestic football. The challenge is immense, but Diallo approaches this competition with serenity and a plan, ready to write a new chapter in the history of Senegalese football.
CAFOnline: What is your state of mind a few weeks before the start of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship?
Souleymane Diallo: I have a very good state of mind overall. I think the boys are aware of what is at stake in this competition, but we must not put ourselves under pressure. For me, the most important thing is the first game. We will have to approach it with a very good state of mind, a very good mentality, but above all an African mentality which consists of being serene first and identifying the obstacles we need to tackle.
How are your preparations going?
Overall, very good. The program plan that we have drawn up is proceeding normally. Now, we are in our 14th week, more precisely, including the preparation phases for the qualifiers. From Monday (13 January), we will take the boys in closed groups. We will stay there until the start of the competition. We will have a training camp in a country bordering the three host countries (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania).
Senegal is the title holder. Does this add extra pressure?
No, no pressure! I am used to saying that. Pressure is important in all things. Most importantly, the source of the pressure must first be identified. If you identify the source of the pressure and you identify the nature of the pressure, for me, right now, there’s no more pressure, but there’s situational awareness. It’s true that Senegal is African champion, but don’t forget that the African champion squad is not the same squad as we have at the moment. We only have two survivors (Serigné Koita and Aboudoulaye Dieng). So, we will have to analyse strongly. Does Senegal come with its African champions or does Senegal come with the title of African champion? We have to point out the nuanced difference between these two. But what is most important, we will come to approach this competition in the best possible way, while not hiding our coat as African champions. On the contrary, this awareness of our African champion mantle pushes us to have a much more cautious approach, a much more serene approach.
Why is the CHAN an important competition in your eyes?
The CHAN is a very important competition. I usually tell journalists that. Already, the CHAN reflects the level of competition of the nation itself. Today, the characteristic of the CHAN is that it takes into account players playing in their local championship. Today, I tell my colleagues that we represent the championship itself, the Senegalese championship, because the CHAN will reflect the level of the Senegalese league. That’s why, for me, it’s a special competition, a very important competition.
You were the coach of the Senegalese team at the African Games. How has this pan-African, continental experience been useful to you and will it serve you well for the CHAN?
I think that today, I have a little African experience. This pan-African experience will serve as a support for us to be able to approach this competition. I have had the opportunity to do several African and world competitions. Three Junior World Cups, three Junior African Cups, two African Games. I think we will base ourselves on these experiences, on these African competitions, to be able to approach this competition in the most serene way possible.
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Apart from Senegal, which teams can lift the trophy?
Today, it will be very, very difficult to say about the teams. You will of course agree with me that in Africa, all the teams are improving. The teams are very, very, very rigorous, both in terms of the training approach, but also in terms of management, because sporting performance is made up of two essential parameters. There are external factors and internal factors. In Africa, people are starting to work, to take these two factors into account. Previously, we were limited to the internal factors of performance. Today, most African teams work on their environment. So it will be very difficult, bordering on suicidal, to want to predict the potential winners.
The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship 2024 (CHAN) Plane is almost ready to take off. ✈️👀 pic.twitter.com/w7DwqMelUA— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 31, 2024
Read the original article on CAF.
Will Kenyans Be Allowed Free Entry At CHAN?
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Govt Refutes Claims of Zambia’s Blacklisting from UN Human Rights Council

Published

2 hours ago

January 13, 2025

an24afri

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By Mary Kachepa

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed media reports suggesting that Zambia has been blacklisted from the United Nations Human Rights Council for alleged failure to uphold human rights standards. The Ministry clarified that the UN General Assembly has not considered nor adopted any resolution for the suspension or removal of Zambia from the Council because the country is currently not holding a seat at the Council.

Permanent Secretary in charge of International Relations and Cooperation, Etambuyu Gundersen, stated that Zambia intends to contest for a seat on the Council at the UN General Assembly elections in 2026 under the African States Region quota for SADC.

Ms. Gundersen told journalists at a media briefing hosted by the Ministry of Information and Media in Lusaka that the Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression is expected in the country on January 19 at the invitation of the government.

She noted that Zambia was among the inaugural members to serve on the Human Rights Council when it was established from 2006 to 2008.

Ms. Gundersen explained that the Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body under the United Nations that comprises 47 member states elected by a majority vote of the UN General Assembly to serve for three years on a rotational basis. She further explained that countries are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.

Ms. Gundersen described as false an article published by the Daily Nation Newspaper that the United Nations has sanctioned Zambia for rights violations. She advised that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it must be exercised within the limits and confines of the law.

The post Govt Refutes Claims of Zambia’s Blacklisting from UN Human Rights Council appeared first on ZNBC-Just for you.

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Africa: CAF Confederation Cup – Enyimba's Quarterfinal Hopes Under Threat After Al Masry Draw

Published

4 hours ago

January 13, 2025

An24 Africa

2 Views

The result leaves the two-time African champions in a precarious position, needing a win against group leaders Zamalek in their final match to have any chance of progressing to the quarterfinals
Nigeria Premier League side Enyimba are teetering on the brink of elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup.
This follows their 1-1 draw against Egyptian club Al Masry in their penultimate Group D fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.
The result leaves the two-time African champions in a precarious position, needing a win against group leaders Zamalek in their final match to progress to the quarterfinals.
Even a victory might not suffice, as their fate also hinges on bottom-placed Black Bulls denying Al Masry a win in their last group-stage encounter.
Match summary
The visitors, Al Masry, took an early lead in the 7th minute through Mohamed Hashem, capitalising on a defensive lapse by the People’s Elephant. Despite Enyimba’s spirited efforts to find a response, they went into halftime trailing 1-0.
The second half started with renewed intensity from Enyimba, and their persistence paid off just two minutes after the restart. Ifeanyi Ihemekwele headed home a sublime equaliser, much to the home crowd’s delight.
Goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena emerged as the night’s hero, pulling off a series of crucial saves, including a penalty stop in the 68th minute, to keep Enyimba in the contest.
However, despite dominating possession and creating chances, the Nigerian side failed to find the winner that could have bolstered their quarterfinal aspirations.
Group D standings
After five rounds of matches, Zamalek have already secured their place in the quarterfinals, sitting comfortably atop the group with 11 points.
Al Masry, with six points, occupy second place and only need a victory against the Black Bulls to advance.
NPFL: Ideye strikes again as Enyimba edge past Nasarawa United
Enyimba, currently third with five points, face a daunting trip to Egypt for their final group game, where they must not only beat Zamalek but also rely on a favourable result in the other group fixture.
What’s next?
Enyimba face a do-or-die clash against Zamalek in Egypt, needing both a win and a stroke of luck in the other Group D match to keep their Confederation Cup dreams alive. Meanwhile, Al Masry will aim to seal their qualification with a win over the Black Bulls.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for the People’s Elephant as they prepare for their most critical game of the tournament.
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Team Lineups
Enyimba
Ani Ozoemena; Innocent Gabriel, Joseph Atule, Elijah Akanni, Nweke Kalu (Fatai Abdullahi 81′); Uwana Asuquo, Somiari Alalibo (Paschal Eze 80′), Chikamso Okechukwu; Divine Ukadike, Ekene Awazie (Brown Ideye 59′), Ifeanyi Ihemekwele (Bernard Ovoke 87′).
Al Masry:
Mahmoud Gad; Ahmed Eid, Mohamed Hashem, Khaled Sobhi, Hassan Ali; Samadou (Mohamed Makhlouf 32′), Mahmoud Hamada (Youssef El Gohary 78′), Khaled El-Ghandour (Karim Bambou 78′); Mohamed El-Shami, Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (Abdelrrehim Daghmoum 61′), Salah Mohsen.
Read the original article on Premium Times.
AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.
Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.
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