Cases of prostate cancer to double, deaths to rise by 85 per cent by 2040: Study

By 2040 cases of prostate cancer are likely to double worldwide to 29 million per year from 14 million per year in 2020 according to a new analysis published in the Lancet CommissionOver the same period annual deaths are projected to rise by 85 per cent from 375000 deaths in 2020 to almost 700000 deaths by 2040The analysis to be presented at the upcoming European Association of Urology Congress stated that low and middleincome countries LMICs including India will see the highest increases in cases and death ratesImportantly ldquothe true numbers will likely be much higher than the recorded figures due to underdiagnosis and missed opportunities for data collection in LMICsrdquo the report statedProstate cancer which accounts for 15 per cent of all male cancers is already a major cause of death and disability It is the most common form of male cancer in more than half of the worldrsquos countriesldquoAgeing populations and increasing life expectancy will lead to higher numbers of older men in coming years As the main risk factors for prostate cancer such as being aged 50 or older and having a family history of the disease are unavoidable it will not be possible to prevent the upcoming surge in cases through lifestyle changes or public health interventionsrdquo the researchers saidldquoAs 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 We know this surge in cases is coming so we need to start planning and take action nowrdquo said Professor Nick James lead author of the Commission from The Institute of Cancer Research LondonldquoEvidencebased interventions such as improved early detection and education programmes will help save lives and prevent ill health from prostate cancer in the years to come This is especially true for low and middleincome countries which will bear the overwhelming brunt of future casesrdquo he addedThe currently available prostate cancer screening is the PSA test a blood test that measures protein levels called prostatespecific antigen PSA While this is common in highincome countries it may lead to overtesting and unnecessary treatment in older men and undertesting in highrisk younger men the researchers arguedInstead the researchers called for earlydetection programmes for those at high risk programmes to raise awareness on prostate cancer and improvements in early diagnosis and treatment in LMICs ndash where most men present with latestage diseaseThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever