Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men (representative)
The number of new cases of prostate cancer around the world will more than double over the next two decades as poorer countries catch up with the aging of wealthier ones, according to a Lancet report published on Thursday.
“Our results suggest that the number of new cases per year will increase from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million in 2040,” the medical journal said, based on research on demographic changes.
The researchers behind the study said the increase in cases is linked to increased life expectancy and changes in the age pyramid around the world.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, accounting for approximately 15% of cases. It mostly appears after the age of 50 and becomes more frequent as men age.
Researchers say that as life expectancy increases in developing countries, so too do the number of prostate cancer cases.
They stress that public health policy will not influence this change in the same way it does for lung cancer or heart disease.
Genetic factors are more difficult to control than smoking, which is a cause of lung cancer, for example. A link to weight has been established, but it’s unclear whether this is a direct cause of prostate cancer.
The researchers also say health authorities must encourage early screening in developing countries, as the disease is often diagnosed too late to provide effective treatment.
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