Prostate Cancer Rates Could Inevitably Double in 2040; Study Calls for Increased Awareness, Early Detection

According to a new study, prostate cancer cases may inevitably double by 2040.

(Photo: Pexels / Engin Akyurt)

Prostate Cancer Rates Will Double

The study also suggests that deaths may double, going from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million in 2040. This may come as life expectancy improves to increase the chances of men getting a diagnosis of the condition.

Yearly deaths are estimated to rise by 85% to nearly 700,000 in the same period. This is mainly among men from LMICs (low- and middle-income countries).

Such findings were noted in the "The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer: planning for the surge in cases" report.

Because the main risk factors of prostate cancer cannot be prevented, the study urged that early-detection programs be implemented, especially for groups of higher risk. The study also stresses the need to heighten prostate cancer awareness, as cancer also accounts for 15% of all cancers among men.

Further research involving men from other ethnicities, especially West African descent, is also necessary.

Nick James, the Lancet Commission's lead author and a professor from the Institute of Cancer Research in London, says that as more and more men reach middle to old age, prostate cancer cases will see an inevitable rise. As this impending surge is expected, it is essential to begin planning and taking action now.

The professor notes that evidence-based interventions, such as education programs and heightened early detection, could help save lives and prevent ill health from the condition in the coming years. This is especially the case for men from LMICs.

Among HICs (high-income countries), prostate cancer screening typically involves a PSA test, which is a blood test that gauges PSA (prostate-specific antigen), a specific kind of protein. The current method of diagnosing prostate cancer in the UK and several other HICs typically depends on informed choice PSA testing, which means that men who are over 50 with no symptoms can still undergo testing even with no symptoms.

The Commission notes that this approach could result in over-testing among low-risk men. At the same time, it may not boost prostate cancer detection among younger men with higher risks.

The authors suggest the use of MRI scans alongside PSA testing to screen men who have a high risk of developing prostate cancer.

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Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer mainly affects the prostate, which is a tiny walnut-shaped gland in males. The prostate is responsible for the production of seminal fluid for the nourishment and transport of sperm. Among other types of cancer, prostate cancer is one of the most common.

Several prostate cancers gradually grow and are confined to this gland, where serious harm may not be caused. However, other types may quickly spread and are aggressive.

When prostate cancer is detected early at the point where it is still confined within the prostate, such a case has the highest chance for successful treatment.