LONDON: A Lancet study published on Thursday has predicted that the number of new cases of prostate cancer worldwide is expected to more than double over the next 20 years. The study attributes this alarming trend to the convergence of demographic changes, with poorer countries catching up to the ageing populations of wealthier nations.
According to the medical journal, the annual number of new prostate cancer cases is forecasted to rise from 1.4 million in 2020 to a staggering 2.9 million by 2040. Researchers behind the study point to global shifts in the age pyramid and longer life expectancies as key factors driving this surge.
Prostate cancer, which accounts for approximately 15% of all cancer cases among males, typically manifests after the age of 50 and becomes more prevalent as men advance in age. As life expectancy increases in developing nations, so too does the incidence of prostate cancer.
Unlike certain other diseases where public health interventions can have a significant impact, such as lung cancer and heart diseases, researchers emphasize that prostate cancer poses unique challenges. While lifestyle factors like obesity have been linked to the disease, its precise cause remains elusive.
Moreover, due to late detection often hindering effective treatment options, experts stress the critical importance of early screening initiatives. Health officials in underdeveloped nations are urged to prioritize and promote early screening programs to address the growing burden of prostate cancer.
