New study finds that prostate cancer cases are projected to double by 2040, with early detection playing a crucial role to address challenge.
As cases of prostate cancer are projected to increase, researchers reinforce that early diagnosis improves prognosis and outcomes, sharing that early detection and education programmes will help to save lives and prevent ill health.
A new study published in the Lancet, project that the number of new global cases of prostate cancer annually will rise from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040.
Changing demographic factors, including ageing populations and improving life expectancy, are predicted to drive big increases in the disease.
Incidence and risk
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in males, with over 52,000 men a year diagnosed in the UK – more than 140 new cases every day. Prostate cancer is not clearly linked to any preventable risk factors. However, risk factors include patients who are aged 50 or older and patients with a genetic risk, including family history of the disease.
Early diagnosis
According to researchers, the key to addressing this challenge is improving early detection and awareness of prostate cancer symptoms, especially in low – and middle – income countries (LMICs).
Prostate cancer does not usually cause symptoms in the early stages. To cause symptoms, the cancer needs to be large enough to press on the urethra.
Symptoms of prostate cancer can include:
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- Feeling that the bladder has not emptied fully
- Blood in urine or semen
- Difficulty when passing urine
Despite the rate of prostate cancer being twice as high in men of African heritage, the study emphasises most prostate cancer research has disproportionally focused on men of European origin. More research involving men of different ethnicities is needed, the researchers say.
Professor Nick James, lead author of the study and a professor at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, said: ‘“As more and more men around the world live to middle and old age, there will be an inevitable rise in the number of prostate cancer cases.”
“Evidence-based interventions, such as improved early detection and education programmes, will help to save lives and prevent ill health from prostate cancer in the years to come”.
Find out more:
