2025-03-14
Detecting cancer early is a critical determinant of patient outcomes. But in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, limited access to diagnostic tools and inadequate screening programs often contribute to late-stage diagnosis—hence, poor survival rates.
Metaphor is making quality diagnostics for cancer a possibility in Nigeria. However, the issue of late presentation will persist without proper screening strategies.
Our recent study, “Evaluating the Age-Specific Prevalence of Prognostic Cancer Markers Among Cancer Patients in Lagos, Nigeria”, provides invaluable insights into the demographic patterns of cancer antigen positivity. It informs a potential framework for targeted screening and improved cancer care strategies.
The Cancer Biomarkers in Our Study
Cancer biomarkers, including Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125), Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), are essential for cancer detection, monitoring and prognosis.
These biomarkers can indicate the presence of specific cancer types and guide clinicians in making informed decisions regarding treatment and follow-up care.
The study analyzed 572 cancer antigen-positive samples collected from diagnostic laboratories in Lagos, Nigeria, shedding light on the prevalence of these cancer biomarkers across different age groups and genders.
Cancer Biomarkers and Age-Specific Trends
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA):
PSA positivity was highest in males over 70 years, aligning with the increased risk of prostate-related conditions with age.
This supports existing research recommending regular PSA screenings for men above 50 to enhance early detection and improve treatment outcomes.
CA 125 and CA 15-3:
These cancer biomarkers were significantly prevalent in females aged 41-50 years.
CA 125 is often associated with ovarian cancer, while CA 15-3 is linked to breast cancer. The study suggests that women in this age group should be prioritized for targeted screening initiatives.
CA 19-9 and CEA:
CA 19-9 and CEA are cancer biomarkers associated with gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers. Increased positivity was more common in individuals over 50 years.
Implementing age- and gender-specific screening strategies will not only help with more effective resource allocation but also enhance early detection, leading to better patient outcomes.
Read the full paper here: Evaluating the Age-Specific Prevalence of Prognostic Cancer Markers Among Cancer Patients in Lagos, Nigeria
