Prostate Cancer Cases Set to Double, Deaths to Rise 85% by 2040: Lancet Study

A new report from The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer reveals alarming projections: worldwide cases of prostate cancer are expected to more than double by 2040, with deaths projected to increase by 85%. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are expected to bear the brunt of this surge, facing significant challenges due to under-diagnosis and missed data collection opportunities.

Lead author of the commission, Professor Nick James from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, emphasized the inevitability of this surge, attributing it to aging populations and improving life expectancy. Lifestyle changes and public health interventions may not suffice to prevent this escalation, especially considering that being 50 years or older is a significant risk factor for prostate cancer.

The commission stresses the urgent need for evidence-based interventions, including early detection, diagnosis, education, and awareness programs. Professor James emphasized the importance of action, particularly in LMICs, where awareness about the dangers and symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer remains low.

The report highlights the necessity of scaling up availability and improving access to treatments for advanced disease in LMICs. Globally, yearly prostate cancer cases are estimated to rise from 14 lakh to 29 lakh by 2040, with deaths expected to increase from 3.75 lakh to almost 7 lakh.