Prostate cancer cases expected to double by 2040

The number of new prostate cancer cases worldwide will more than double in the next two decades, as poor countries catch up with the aging pace of richer nations, according to a report in the Lancet medical journal on April 4.

According to the Lancet medical journal: “Our findings suggest that the number of new cases per year will increase from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million in 2040.” At the same time, experts said the number of deaths worldwide is also expected to increase by 85% over the next two decades, from 375,000 in 2020 to 700,000 in 2040.

The rise in cases is linked to increased life expectancy worldwide, researchers say.

"As more men around the world reach middle age and older, the number of cases of prostate cancer will increase. We know the number of cases is about to skyrocket, so we need to start planning and taking action now," said Nick James, lead author of the report and professor of prostate cancer research at the Institute of Cancer Research (UK).

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, accounting for about 15% of all cancer cases. This type of cancer mainly occurs in men over 50 years old and the risk of developing the disease increases after this age.

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include frequent urination at night, difficulty urinating, feeling the need to urinate, and blood or semen in the urine. Additionally, signs that prostate cancer may have spread include testicular pain, back or joint pain, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.

Improved public education programmes to highlight symptoms and guide people on next steps are needed, along with investment in effective and cost-effective diagnostic systems, said Mr James.

The report said more research is needed on prostate cancer in black men, as most reports currently focus on white men.

The Lancet report is a wake-up call for swift and timely action, said Amy Rylance, head of care improvement at the charity Prostate Cancer UK. She added that the healthcare system must be more effective in diagnosing people at high risk, especially black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer or genetic risk factors such as BRCA variants.

Minh Hoa (reported by Thanh Nien and Women of Ho Chi Minh City)

Source