Cancer is a growing burden in Africa. By 2035, it is estimated that cancer incidence will more than double in Sub-Saharan Africa, and that more than twice as many cancer deaths will occur in low and middle income countries compared to upper-income countries. While the majority of cancer cases in the US and Europe are diagnosed at an early (treatable) stage, the majority of African cancer cases are and will likely continue to be diagnosed at late (often untreatable) stages. Therefore, cancer represents a significant and under-appreciated public health problem in Africa. We have developed two consortia to address this burden: the Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP, www.madcapnetwork.org) and the BRCA1/2 International Diversity by Geography and Ethnicity (BRIDGE) Networks. The overarching goal of these collaborative teams is to understand cancer incidence, mortality, and prevention in individuals of African descent. The goal of these consortia is to undertake clinically meaningful translational research to 1) evaluate African ancestral relationships among African populations, 2) understand the relationship of ancestry with cancer etiology, and 3) understand the role of genetic and non-genetic factors in cancer etiology and aggressiveness. We have established the laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological infrastructure to undertake these studies. We have demonstrated that ancestry is associated with genetic susceptibility to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer as well as prostate cancer. Therefore, optimal prediction of cancer risk and outcomes may require race-specific marker panels. By expanding the research infrastructure and capabilities of these consortia, we will address an important and increasing cancer problem in Africa, and we will build capacity for research in an under-served continent. The knowledge gained from studies of cancer in Africa may in turn improve our understanding of cancer diagnosed anywhere in the world.
