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Abstract
Introduction :
Cancer is one of the main public health problems. Several strategies to fight cancer have been implemented to combat this disease in Niger. An overall view of the frequency of cancer in Niger is necessary to better understand the extent of the problem and the strategies to implement at the national level. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the frequencies and epidemiological profiles of cancer in Niger.
Methodology :
We conducted a literature review without language restrictions on PubMed, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, and other journals from scholarly societies that are not online, as well as local journals, focusing on studies conducted on cancer epidemiology from 2000 to 2024 in Niger. The study was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The overall prevalence and that of cancer subgroups were estimated using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analysis method. Cochran's Q test and the I2 index were used to assess heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's test.
Results :
In total, 15 studies were included in the systematic review. Of these, 10 out of 15 were used for the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of the included studies (18,535 participants) in our meta-analysis is estimated at 9% (95% CI: 3-27%). A highly significant heterogeneity among the studies (I² = 99.4%, p < 0.0001) was observed, indicating substantial variability in proportions across the different studies. Subgroup analysis revealed variability in pooled estimates according to the years. The pooled estimate for 2009 is 0.09; 2015: 0.67; 2016: 0.43; 2017: 0.03; 2022: 0.02; and 2024: 0.03 according to the random-effects model. Heterogeneity remains high in most subgroups. The funnel plot showed some asymmetry, which could indicate a potential publication bias.
Conclusion :
This very first assessment reveals a high overall prevalence of cancer in studies conducted in Niger. This can be used to evaluate future cancer control strategies in Niger.
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Copyright (c) 2026 M Falissou Saïdou, A Abani Bako, O Abdoulaye, M Abdoulaye Gambo, M Oudou Mossi Maiga, Z Alio, M Zahatu, I Aliyu, F Guiet Mati, A Abbas, Y Jamilu, M Boutchi