According to a Lancet report released on Thursday, the incidence of new prostate cancer cases globally is projected to more than double over the next twenty years, as developing countries undergo demographic shifts mirroring those of wealthier nations.
The medical journal stated, “Our research indicates that the annual number of new cases is expected to increase from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040.”
The report attributes this surge to growing life expectancy and alterations in global age demographics.
Prostate cancer ranks as the most prevalent cancer in men, constituting roughly 15 percent of all cases. Its onset typically occurs post the age of 50, with its frequency rising as men grow older.
With the advancement of life expectancy in developing nations, the incidence of prostate cancer is also on the rise, noted the researchers.
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They emphasized that unlike lung cancer or heart diseases, public health policies have limited influence over this trend.
Hereditary factors, unlike smoking’s role in causing lung cancer, are considerably less modifiable. While a correlation with weight has been established, it remains uncertain if it directly causes prostate cancer.
Furthermore, researchers underscored the necessity for health authorities to promote earlier screening in developing regions, as the disease frequently goes undetected until it’s too advanced for effective treatment.
