Prostate cancer cases worldwide expected to double by 2040

The global rate of prostate cancer among men is set to double to 2.9 million annually by 2040, followed by an 85 per cent increase in yearly deaths.

Prostate cancer, already a leading cause of mortality, constitutes the most common form of male cancer in over 100 nations. However, with populations ageing and life expectancies rising worldwide, a new analysis predicts a significant surge in both diagnoses and fatalities over the next 15 years, a new comprehensive study suggests.

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The projections signify a rise in diagnoses from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040, equating to approximately 330 men being diagnosed with the disease every hour.

Over the same 20-year span, global deaths attributable to prostate cancer are expected to escalate by 85 per cent, from 375,000 to nearly 700,000 by 2040.

The findings were published in the Lancet as part of its landmark commission on prostate cancer and will be presented at the European Association of Urology’s annual congress in Paris on Saturday.

Hereditary factors are much less manageable than, for example, smoking in the cause of lung cancer. A link with weight has been established but it is not yet known if this is a direct cause of prostate cancer.

Researchers also said that health authorities had to encourage earlier screening in developing countries as the disease is often diagnosed too late to give an effective treatment.

Professor Nick James, the lead author of the study, says, “As men around the world live to middle and old age, there will be an inevitable rise in the number of prostate cancer cases.”

“Improved early detection and education programmes, will help to save lives and prevent ill health from prostate cancer in the years to come,” added James.

(With inputs from agencies)