The need for a central brain tumor registry in Africa: A review of central nervous system tumors in Africa from 1960 to 2017. Issue 3 (27th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mbi Feh, Marilyn Keng-Nasang; Lyon, Kristopher A; Brahmaroutu, Ankita V; Tadipatri, Ramya; Fonkem, Ekokobe
• Is Part Of: Neuro-oncology practice. Volume 8:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 337
• Page End: 344
• Publication Date: 2021-01-27
• Subjects: Africa -- brain tumor -- CNS tumor -- epidemiology; Brain -- Tumors -- Periodicals; Brain -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99481005
• DOI: 10.1093/nop/npaa086
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2054-2577

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors pose a substantial health problem. Although data on specific time periods and regions of Africa have been previously reported, no study has yet to provide a systematic review of CNS tumors for the entire continent of Africa. This study aims to analyze the frequency of CNS tumors in Africa from 1960 to 2017. Methods: A comprehensive literature search on CNS tumors in Africa was performed using multiple online scientific databases. The following keywords were queried in combination with the phrase "CNS tumors in Africa": incidence, frequency, epidemiology, prevalence, brain, and cancer. A total of 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Each selected article reported incidence and mortality rates from different regions of Africa in a time period between 1960 and 2017. SPSS21 statistical software was used to analyze the data. Results: Nigeria, Egypt, and Uganda were found to have the most of the cases of CNS tumors in Africa. Males made up 54% of the 5902 cases per 100 000 population. The most common CNS tumors found were astrocytoma (24.70%), meningioma (22.22%), pituitary adenoma (8.4%), medulloblastoma (4.26%), craniopharyngioma (4.07%), and other not specified (25.17%). Conclusions: Given the large population of Africa, the total reported cases may be underestimated when compared with other continents due to the lack of a central brain tumor registry in Africa. A comprehensive knowledge of CNS tumors in Africa is critical to population-based research and improving the current healthcare system.