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Prostate cancer is on track to become a global health crisis, with the number of cases expected to more than double by 2040.
London – Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men. In 112 countries worldwide, including Germany, it is even considered the most common type of cancer in men. A study by the renowned specialist magazine The Lancet predicts that the number of prostate cancer cases will more than double by 2040. The researchers conclude that neither lifestyle changes nor improvements in public health are sufficient to tackle this problem. They attribute the rapid increase in incidence and mortality rates to demographic change and increasing life expectancy.
Prostate cancer is diagnosed late in many men
The researchers predict that the number of new cases per year will increase from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million in 2040. “Prostate cancer is already a leading cause of death and disability and accounts for 15 percent of all cancers in men,” the LancetCommission in their study. “Unlike other major problems such as lung cancer or cardiovascular disease, this increase in cases cannot be prevented by public health strategies,” the researchers add. However, they stress that the effects can be mitigated. A recent study gives hope that a new drug is capable of destroying almost all types of tumors.
Health
The information provided in this article is no substitute for consulting a doctor. Only specialists can make the correct diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. The use of medication or nutritional supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
Demographic changes are cited as one of the reasons for the increase in cases. A particular problem is the late diagnosis of prostate cancer, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This also has socioeconomic implications. In these countries, men are often the main breadwinners in their families, as James N’Dow of the University of Aberdeen, who was involved in the study, said in a Press release “So when they die or become seriously ill, it can cause families to experience great economic hardship.”
Symptoms of prostate cancer only appear when the tumor has reached a certain size
Prostate cancer is particularly insidious because it does not cause any symptoms at first. Only when the tumor has reached a certain size do those affected notice the first warning signs. The cancer spreads to lymph nodes or bones, and some patients only experience symptoms then.
- Discomfort when urinating, frequent urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the prostate (located below the bladder)
- Problems with urination and with completely emptying the bladder or bowel
- “Sciatica” pain caused by bone metastases
Source: German Cancer Aid, German Cancer-research center
An early diagnosis of prostate cancer can save lives. “Men with late-stage prostate cancer are much less likely to survive for a long period of time than men who are diagnosed early,” warns the commission. It points out that black men of West African descent in particular have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than white or Asian men, for example. The reasons for this are still unclear, however. More research of non-white men is being called for, as are better education programs.
Experts call for more research and early detection systems for prostate cancer
The researchers recommend that governments invest in low-cost early detection systems and earlier screening. The report by The Lancet also suggests integrating artificial intelligence into early detection systems. A study by Harvard University recently showed that artificial intelligence can detect certain types of cancer three years before diagnosis could recognize.
About the study
The study “The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer: planning for the surge in cases“ (The Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer: Planning for the Rise in Cases) was published on April 4, 2024 in the medical journal The Lancet.
In Germany, men seem to be aware of the importance of preventive examinations: According to a Forsa survey commissioned by Bremer Handelskrankenkasse 95 percent of those surveyed were at least familiar with prostate cancer screening. Two thirds of those surveyed had already taken advantage of such a test.
Recently, researchers developed a capsule test that is intended to revolutionize cancer diagnostics. (bme)
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