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Prostate cancer disproportionately affects men of African descent and it is estimated that Africa will bear the highest disease burden in the next decade. Underlying genomic factors may contribute to prostate cancer disparities; however, it is unclear whether Africa has prioritised genomics research toward addressing these disparities. A Pubmed review was performed of publications spanning a 15-year period, with specific focus on prostate cancer genomics research that included samples from Africa and investigators in Africa. Data are presented on research publications from Africa relative to similar publications from different geographical regions, and more specifically, the extent of disparities and the contributions to prostate cancer knowledge as a result of genomics research that included African samples and African institutions. Limited publication output may reflect the infrastructure and funding challenges in Africa. Widespread cooperation should be fostered by sharing capacity and leveraging existing expertise to address the growing cancer burden facing the continent.

Background Decisional conflict (DC) is a psychological construct that an individual experiences in making a decision that involves risk, loss, regret, or challenges to one’s values. This study assessed DC in a cohort of South African men undergoing curative treatment for localised prostate cancer (LPC). The objectives were to (1) to examine the association between DC and prostate cancer knowledge (PCK), demographics, state anxiety, prostate cancer anxiety and time to treatment and (2) to compare levels of DC between treatment groups [prostatectomy (RP) and external beam radiation (RT)]. Method Data, comprising the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), Prostate Cancer Knowledge (PCK), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC) and demographic data from 83 participants of a larger prospective longitudinal observational study examining depression, anxiety and health related quality of life (DAHCaP) were analysed. Results The mean age of participants was 63 years (RP 61yrs and RT 65yrs; p< 0.001). Most were of mixed ancestry (72.3%). The total DCS scores between the treatment groups (RP 25.00 and RT 18.75; p = 0.037) and two DCS sub-scores-uncertainty (p = 0.033 ) , and support (p = 0.048 ), were significantly higher in the RP group. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between state anxiety and time between diagnosis and treatment in the RP group (Spearman’s rho = −0.368; p = 0.030). There was no correlation between the DCS score and PCK within each treatment group (Spearman’s rho RP = −0.249 and RT = −0.001). Conclusion Decisional conflict was higher in men undergoing RP. Men were more anxious in the RP group regarding the time treatment was received from diagnosis. No correlation was observed between DC and PCK. Pre-surgical management of DC should include shared decision making (SDM) which is cognisant of patients’ values facilitated by a customised decision aid.

Introduction: The health profile of older adults places them at risk of infirmity and death from COVID-19 which may induce anxiety or exacerbate pre-existing anxiety. We examined COVID-19 related anxiety in men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer (CaP). Method: This study was conducted between July and September 2020. Sixty participants from a larger prospective, longitudinal study assessing depression, anxiety and health related quality of life in men with localized prostate cancer (DAHCaP) were included. COVID-19 related anxiety was measured at a single time point using, the Corona Virus Anxiety Scale (CAS). In addition, the following, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), the Connor-Davidson Resilience (CD-RISC) scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) that form part of the DAHCaP study were used in the analysis. We extracted pre-pandemic data for the STAI-S. Results: Twenty-one percent had diabetes, 62.3% had hypertension and 24.6% had cardiac diseases, all known risk factors for severe COVID-19. Only 3% scored ≥9 on the CAS, indicating COVID 19 anxiety dysfunction. Half knew of family or friends that had contracted COVID-19 especially those scoring higher on the CAS ( P = 0.042). There was a significant decrease in STAI-S scores pre-pandemic to the pandemic phase (34.7 to 29.8, P = 0.003). No correlation was observed between CAS and STAI-S (rho = 0.08), CD-RISC (rho = −0.06) or MSPSS (rho = −0.15). There was a weak positive correlation between the CAS and monthly income (rho = 0.33; P = 0.010). Conclusion: COVID-19 did not induce significant anxiety in men being treated for CaP nor did it place an additional psychological burden, nor was there any correlation with state anxiety, resilience or social support.