Genetic Characterisation of African Cancers

This study aims to understand genetic factors mediating selected solid tumour cancers in Africans. Due to considerable differences in genetic diversity between African and Caucasian populations, largely Eurocentric cancer research findings are not fully representative of Africans. There is therefore a crucial need for population-specific genomic studies in Africans. The hypothesis is people of African descent have unique susceptibility genes that predispose them to cancers. This study will identify known and novel germline and somatic variations, and elucidate pathways underlying cancer pathogenesis in Africans. Data generated will advance cancer research in people of sub-Saharan ancestry and provide resources for precision medicine.