Lancet Commission report reveals, global prostate cancer cases expected to double by 2040

PTC News Desk: A recent Lancet analysis has sounded the alarm on the projected surge of prostate cancer cases in India, with estimates indicating a doubling of incidence by 2040. The Lancet Commission report emphasises the urgent need for early testing, particularly in men over 60, as prostate cancer currently constitutes 3 per cent of all cancers in India.

The Lancet analysis, drawing on projections from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, foresees a substantial increase in prostate cancer cases, reaching approximately 71,000 new cases annually by 2040. This concerning trend is expected to disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbating the burden of the disease in these regions.

During a presentation at the European Association of Urology Congress, experts highlighted the alarming prediction of an 85 per cent rise in annual prostate cancer deaths worldwide over the same 20-year period, soaring from 375,000 deaths in 2020 to nearly 700,000 deaths by 2040. Importantly, under-diagnosis and inadequate data collection in LMICs may mean that the actual figures could be even higher.

In contrast, high-income countries (HICs) have witnessed a decline in prostate cancer mortality rates since the mid-1990s, underscoring the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes between different regions.

Prostate cancer already poses a significant threat to global health, accounting for 15 per cent of all male cancers worldwide. In countries like the United Kingdom, it ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men. With the prevalence of risk factors such as age (particularly those aged 50 and older) and family history, coupled with an aging population and increasing life expectancy, the challenge of combating prostate cancer becomes even more complex.

Addressing this looming crisis requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses early detection, improved access to healthcare services, and greater awareness among both healthcare professionals and the general public. The Lancet Commission's findings underscore the urgent need for concerted global efforts to mitigate the escalating burden of prostate cancer and prevent unnecessary loss of life.

Urgent call to action: Improving prostate cancer awareness and early detection

The Commission underscores the critical need for prompt action to ensure that individuals in low- and middle-income countries are educated about prostate cancer and have access to early screening and treatment. Presently, a significant number of men in these regions receive a diagnosis only in the advanced stages of the disease.

Recognising the importance of leveraging modern communication channels, the Commission advocates for the utilisation of tools such as smartphones, social media platforms, and influencers to disseminate crucial information. For instance, initiatives like Project PINK BLUE in Nigeria exemplify this approach by offering free screenings for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer. They harness the power of mobile applications and influential figures to amplify awareness efforts and encourage proactive healthcare-seeking behaviours.

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Strengthening prostate cancer care systems

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the lack of adequately trained medical professionals and specialised healthcare facilities poses significant challenges in providing effective care for prostate cancer patients. This issue extends beyond prostate cancer alone, as evidenced by a 2015 study revealing that nine out of ten individuals in LMICs cannot access basic surgical services when needed.

To enhance early detection of prostate cancer in LMICs, there is a pressing need for improved diagnostic methods. However, with increased early detection, there arises a greater demand for surgical interventions and radiotherapy for treatment. Consequently, it becomes paramount to enhance hospital infrastructure and expand the training of specialists in these regions.

Early detection and timely initiation of treatment can significantly improve outcomes for individuals whose cancer has metastasised, potentially saving lives and preventing debilitating symptoms such as back pain and urinary difficulties, which can lead to complications like infections and kidney damage.

The authors of the Commission emphasise the necessity for further research to comprehensively understand prostate cancer in non-White European populations. Presently, much of the knowledge regarding prostate cancer is derived from studies conducted on White European men in affluent nations. However, Black men, particularly those from West Africa, exhibit a higher incidence of prostate cancer compared to White or Asian men, with the underlying reasons remaining unclear.

Moreover, Black men also face an elevated risk of mortality from prostate cancer. However, the Commission notes uncertainty regarding whether this disparity arises from a higher prevalence of the disease among Black men or other factors such as differences in disease progression or socio-economic challenges like poverty or racism. Therefore, additional research is imperative to elucidate the factors contributing to these disparities and inform targeted interventions accordingly.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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