A new study published this Thursday in The Lancet predicts a notable increase in cases of prostate cancer in the coming years worldwide. “According to our conclusions, the annual number of new cases will double from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million in 2040,” summarize the authors. The latter used extrapolations around demographic changes and the aging of the population already observed today.
Better life expectancy in certain countries
Thus, this progression would particularly concern the least wealthy countries in the world. It could be explained by “the increase in life expectancy and by changes in the age pyramids”, the researchers suggest. Prostate cancer, which is the most common in men (15% of all male cancers), occurs over the age of 50 in most cases. And its frequency increases sharply the older we advance beyond this threshold.
However, a large number of poor or developing countries are partially catching up in life expectancy compared to their developed counterparts. Which should mechanically increase the number of prostate cancers. And “unlike other major problems, such as lung cancer or cardiovascular diseases, we will not be able to avoid this increase in cases through public health policies,” note the researchers.
Actions to limit risks
Indeed, the risk factors for prostate cancer (heredity, tall size, etc.) are much less preventable than, for example, smoking for lung cancer. Only a link with excess weight has been established, but it is unclear whether there is a cause and effect mechanism.
The authors of the study nevertheless believe that it is possible to limit the increase in prostate cancer through different actions. For example, they advocate aiming for earlier diagnoses in less wealthy countries, noting that prostate cancers are often detected there too late to act effectively. On the other hand, they warn of the risk of “overdiagnosis and overtreatment” in developed countries.