How genomic research could turn the tide on prostate cancer in Namibia

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in Namibia, with an alarmingly high rate of 63.8 cases per 100 000 men. In Sub-Saharan Africa, this number is predicted to at least triple by 2040.This means that prostate cancer has now overtaken other leading malignancies in Namibia, including breast and cervical, making it a critical public health concern that requires urgent attention. Despite this, many men are diagnosed only when the disease has advanced, which limits treatment options and reduces survival rates.Why are the numbers so high?Several factors contribute to the high prostate cancer rates and late diagnoses in Namibia.&bull; Genetic and biological factors: Namibia’s diverse population that includes many different ethnic groups carries with it many genetic variations. These differences are yet to be fully understood because most prostate cancer research and tools for diagnosis are based on non-African populations. This means current screening guidelines and tests may miss early signs or aggressive forms of prostate cancer common in Namibian men.&bull; Low screening rates: Approximately 16% of Namibian men have been screened for prostate cancer. Barriers include stigma around men’s health, fear of diagnosis, lack of awareness and limited access to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas. Many men only seek medical help when symptoms become severe, and by then the cancer is often advanced.&bull; Healthcare system challenges: The public healthcare system in Namibia is overburdened and has limited resources for widespread screening and treatment. Also, many men lack medical aid, while diagnostic services like prostate biopsies are only available in two hospitals nationwide. This further restricts men’s access to early detection and timely treatment.What are the treatment options?When detected early, prostate cancer is often curable through treatments such as surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy. Unfortunately, in Namibia a significant proportion of men are diagnosed at advanced stages, when the disease has already spread beyond the prostate. At this stage, treatment options are more limited and may include hormone therapy to slow cancer growth, as well as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies. These approaches are generally aimed at controlling symptoms, delaying progression, and improving quality of life rather than achieving a cure.What can we do?&bull; Raise awareness and reduce stigma: Targeted community education initiatives are critical for increasing prostate cancer screening uptake among men. Such interventions play a pivotal role in reducing stigma, promoting health-seeking behaviour, and reinforcing the evidence-based understanding that early detection significantly improves survival outcomes.&bull; Improve access to screening and care: Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health tools can help bridge gaps in access by enabling faster, more accurate screening, especially in underserved and rural communities. Mobile health platforms, AI-assisted imaging, and genomic technologies can expand early detection efforts, reduce diagnostic delays, and support healthcare workers in providing timely interventions.&bull; Invest in genomic research for precision medicine: A critical step forward is investing in research tailored to Namibia’s population. As part of my PhD project, I am applying advanced genomics and proteomics (multi-omics) technologies to analyse nucleic acids and proteins from prostate cancer patients. The goal is to identify cancer biomarkers and structural variants unique to Namibian men that influence cancer risk, disease progression, and treatment response. Such locally driven research will provide the evidence base needed to guide precision medicine approaches that are relevant, effective, and sustainable in our setting.&bull; Strengthen research infrastructure and collaboration: Africa holds the world’s greatest genetic diversity, yet it remains underrepresented in global genomic studies. This gap limits the benefits of genomic medicine for Namibian patients, as it is not precisely tailored to this population. To address this, building initial research capacity through public-private partnerships as well as regional and international collaborations is essential, with the ultimate goal of developing sustainable local expertise and infrastructure.&bull; Policy and community engagement: Policymakers need to prioritise prostate cancer within national health agendas and allocate adequate funding to screening, treatment and research. Engaging communities and their leaders to overcome cultural barriers and misinformation is essential to ensure men are screened and treated sooner rather than later.The way forwardProstate cancer is a serious but addressable health challenge. Early detection remains the most effective way to save lives, and raising awareness is the critical first step. Yet, to truly transform outcomes, Namibia and other African countries must embrace genomics as a pathway to precision medicine that reflects our populations. By focusing research specifically on Namibian men, healthcare providers will be empowered to more effectively screen, diagnose, and treat patients with approaches precisely tailored to their unique genetic and biological profiles.The upcoming Cancer Genomics Conference, to be held in Windhoek from 24 to 26 September, provides us with a unique platform to advance this vision. By bringing together leading experts, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and community voices, we can accelerate investment, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that genomics serves as a tool for equity in healthcare. With collective action, Namibia can lead the way in reducing prostate cancer deaths and giving our men a fairer chance at long, healthy lives.* Uvatera Maurihungirire is a PhD student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). The opinions expressed in this piece are his own.

How genomic research could turn the tide on prostate cancer in Namibia

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-25

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How genomic research could turn the tide on prostate cancer in Namibia

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-25

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