Prostate cancer cases will double in 2040 and deaths will increase 85%

Annual cases of prostate cancer worldwide are expected to double between 2020 and 2040, while deaths would increase by 85%, especially in low-income countries, according to a report published in The Lancet magazine.

The data indicate that annual cases of this disease would increase from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million in 2040, and that annual deaths would increase from 375,000 to almost 700,000, mainly among men in low- and middle-income countries.

However, it is “The real figures are likely to be much higher.” to those registered due to underdiagnosis and missed opportunities for data collection in low- and middle-income countries, indicates The Lancet commission (expert group) on prostate cancer.

This disease represents 15% of all male cancers and the most common form in more than half of the countries.

The main risk factors are being over 50 years old and a family history. Thus, the gradual aging of the population and the increase in life expectancy will lead, in the coming years, to more older men suffering from this cancer.

“As more and more men around the world reach middle age and old age, there will be an inevitable increase in the number of prostate cancer cases. We know that this increase in cases is about to fall, so we must start planning and acting now“, warned Nick James, from the aforementioned commission and researcher at the London Cancer Institute.

Deaths from prostate cancer have decreased in most high-income countries since the mid-1990s.

Early detection

Experts highlight the global need for new and improved early detection programs, beyond the PSA test, which measures a protein called prostate-specific antigen with a blood test.

In many high-income countries, those over 50 can request this test even if they have no symptoms and are low risk. An approach that leads to over-testing in older, low-risk men, but does not increase screening in younger, higher-risk men.

The authors recommend using MRI in combination with PSA testing to screen men at high risk of prostate cancer in high-income countries, such as those with a family history of the disease, those of African origin, and carriers. of the BRACA2 mutation.

In lower income countries they are “vital”new approaches that allow for earlier diagnosis, since the majority of men in these countries have metastatic cancer when they are diagnosed.

Likewise, men and their families must be made aware of the dangers and symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer, since in many low- and middle-income countries they are not well known, as well as how to inform them of available therapies.