Global Surge in Prostate Cancer Cases: Need for Early Detection

A global surge in prostate cancer cases is expected, with a projected doubling of cases to 2.9 million and an 85% increase in deaths by 2040, according to a recent report by the Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer. The rise is linked to aging populations, especially in low- and medium-income countries, although high-income nations like the US and UK are also seeing increases. The commission advocates for prostate cancer screening for men aged 50-70, particularly for those of African descent, with improved technologies like MRI and active surveillance. However, concerns over the misuse of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening have been raised, leading to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Inadequate treatment of advanced disease is another issue, as many men do not receive appropriate combination therapies for metastatic cancer. The report emphasizes the need for more research on men of African ancestry and highlights the need for early detection, especially in low-income countries, where most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages. Mobile clinics, such as the "Man Van" initiative in England, are suggested as solutions to improve access to screening. The report also stresses the potential of artificial intelligence and smartphones in enhancing diagnosis and healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Wolinsky, H. (2024, April 4). Prostate cancer tsunami coming, experts caution. Medscape Medical News. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/prostate-cancer-tsunami-coming-experts-caution-2024a10006gt