Prostate cancer cases to double between 2020 and 2040, deaths to rise by 85 per cent: Lancet study
Prostate cancer cases worldwide are projected to more than double and deaths to increase by 85 per cent between 2020 and 2040, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) likely to bear the «overwhelming brunt» of this spike, according to The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer. The surge in cases is «inevitable», with actual numbers likely to be much higher because of under-diagnosis and missed opportunities for data collection in LMICs, researchers said.
They said ageing populations and improving life expectancy will lead to more cases of prostate cancer in older men, and given than being 50 years or older is a risk factor, lifestyle changes and public health interventions may not be able to prevent the upcoming surge.
«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. We know this surge in cases is coming, so we need to start planning and take action now,» said lead author of the Commission, Nick James, professor of prostate and bladder cancer research at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
The commission called for evidence-based interventions, including early detection and diagnosis, along with education and awareness programmes, to help save lives from prostate cancer in the coming years.
«This is especially true for low- and middle-income countries which will bear the overwhelming brunt of future cases,» said James.
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