WALTER SISULU STUDY AIMS TO REDUCE PROSTATE CANCER IN AFRICA

A doctoral study by an iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu lecturer, Xolelwa Ntlongweni is headed towards mapping strategies to reduce the burden and acceptability of prostate cancer in Africa.

Despite growing awareness of prostate cancer as a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among African men, significant gaps remain in understanding the acceptability of prevention and early detection services.

Ntlongweni explained that while substantial research exists, it often looked at separate parts of the problem, whereas her broader PhD research is compromised of four related studies.

“Some studies focused on awareness, some on testing and others on treatment. We wanted to bring this evidence together and look at the whole journey, from informing men and encouraging earlier help-seeking to diagnosis, referral, treatment and ongoing care.”

She explained that understanding which strategies are effective and culturally acceptable would help inform targeted interventions that are more likely to be adopted in African contexts.

Concerns surrounding prostate cancer testing, diagnosis, treatment, and sexual functioning were noted to often influence how men engaged with these services. Ntlongweni believed these concerns needed to be acknowledged and addressed if interventions are to be effective.

“Our published qualitative study protocol was specifically developed to explore the perspectives and health-seeking behaviours of prostate cancer survivors and men from the general population. That part of the broader research is important because we cannot develop suitable interventions without understanding men’s experiences in their own words,” she said.

Moreover, understanding how cultural beliefs, social expectations and experiences with the healthcare system, could provide valuable insights into why men may delay seeking care and how these challenges could be overcome.

She added that clinics and hospitals needed staff, equipment and systems required to assist men without unnecessary delays.

“The published socio-demographic and referral study showed that many patients depended on a rural central hospital for specialist prostate cancer care. This means that referral pathways need to work properly and that services should be strengthened closer to the communities where possible,” explained Ntlongweni.

Furthermore, she noted that future studies should evaluate whether proposed interventions are practical, affordable and appropriate for the communities in which they are intended to be implemented.

Looking ahead, Ntongweni’s vision for her work extends beyond academic publications. Her goal is not to simply generate evidence for journals or university libraries, but to contribute to practical, community-centres interventions that equip men with accurate information, encourage earlier help-seeking and make healthcare services easier to access and navigate.

“We need fewer men arriving at hospitals with advanced prostate cancer and fewer families losing fathers, husbands, brothers and sons to a disease that can often be managed more effectively when detected early,” she expressed.

South Africa recognises September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a campaign aimed at encouraging conversations about prostate health, reducing stigma surrounding screening, and promoting early diagnosis.

By Thandeka Mgqibi