Exploring the role of cellular senescence in prostate cancer: a comparative perspective between Nigeria and the United Kingdom

This study examines how cellular senescence influences the development and progression of prostate cancer, using a comparative analysis of Nigeria and the United Kingdom. A systematic review of 20 studies was conducted to integrate evidence from molecular biology, epidemiology, and healthcare systems. The findings show that cellular senescence plays a dual role in cancer. In the early stages, it helps prevent tumour growth by stopping damaged cells from dividing. However, when senescent cells accumulate, they release inflammatory signals known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which can promote tumour progression. This study shows that the differences in prostate cancer outcomes between Nigeria and the UK mostly come from their healthcare systems. In the UK, early detection through the structured screening leads to earlier diagnosis and then produces better survival rates. On the other hand, in Nigeria, less frequent screening leads to later diagnoses and thus higher death rates. Also, it was revealed that genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors affect disease patterns, even if the evidence isn’t always consistent. A major point of this study is the idea of “contextual senescence.” This concept illustrates how health care and social conditions can shape biological processes. By highlighting these interacting factors, the study emphasizes the importance of creating more targeted research and early detection methods that consider each specific context.