Prostate cancer patients likely to double by 2040: Here's why

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that is diagnosed in men. Recent studies show that the number of prostate cancer patients may be doubled by 2040. Prostate cancer cases are projected to increase from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million in the next sixteen years. Meanwhile, the report that was published in the Lancet warns that there will be an 85% rise in the annual death rate due to prostate cancer.

Around 3,75,000 deaths were reported worldwide, due to prostate cancer, in 2020. However, the report projects that it would soar to 7,00,000 by 2040. Researchers note that the real death toll may probably be higher due to underdiagnoses in low- and medium-income countries. The findings of the study will be presented at the European Association of Urology’s annual congress.

Age and a family history of cancer are the main factors that increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. Experts say that it may be impossible to prevent the surge in prostate cancer cases simply by making lifestyle changes. However, according to the report, early diagnosis, advanced treatment and wider testing initiatives could still save lives.

Symptoms of prostate cancer include the need to urinate more frequently, often during the night; difficulty in starting to pee; feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied full; blood in your urine or semen; difficulty to urinate and pain while urinating. However, these symptoms do not always mean you have cancer and may be shown even if you have an enlarged prostate. So, doctors diagnose the disease based on ultrasound scan, MRI scan, biopsy and other necessary tests. Signs that prostate cancer may have spread to other areas include pain in the testicles, back or bone pain, loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss.