Around 65,000 men in Germany develop prostate cancer every year. This makes it the most common form of cancer in men in this country. Germany is not alone in this. The specialist magazine “The Lancet” reports on a total of 112 countries in which men most often develop prostate cancer.
A report by “The Lancet Commission” now reveals an alarming development. Accordingly, the number of prostate cancer cases annually is expected to more than double by 2040 and rise to 2.9 million. Based on this, the scientists also predict an increase in prostate cancer deaths from 375,000 to 700,000 – i.e. by 85 percent.
The number of prostate cancer cases worldwide is expected to double by 2040
Case numbers and mortality rates are expected to increase, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Low-income countries primarily include African states such as Niger, Senegal and Somalia. In the European context, Albania, Bulgaria and Moldova, for example, are considered middle-income nations.
However, the forecast is only partially applicable to high-income countries, including many Western European nations such as Germany, but also the Czech Republic, Hungary and Greece transmitted. Due to demographic change and increasing life expectancy, the number of cases will also increase in these countries. However, prostate cancer deaths have been declining since the mid-1990s.
Early detection of prostate cancer increases the chances of recovery
“The problem in low- and middle-income countries is that late diagnosis of prostate cancer is the norm,” says James N’Dow, professor and chair of urological surgery at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, who is involved in the “ Lancet” report was involved, in a press release from the institution.
Prostate cancer in men from these countries is often only diagnosed when it has already spread to other regions of the body and formed metastases – often in the bones. The chances of recovery from such advanced prostate cancer are often poor. As with most types of cancer, early diagnosis improves the prognosis and treatment results.
The expert advocates better early detection and diagnostic systems in the relevant countries. Additionally, N’Dow emphasizes, “Improved outreach is needed to better inform people about the key symptoms to look out for and educate people about next steps.”
Which symptoms can indicate prostate cancer
The following symptoms can indicate prostate cancer, especially if they occur over a long period of time.
1. Problems urinating
The prostate lies below the urinary bladder. If their shape changes, this can affect going to the toilet. Possible complaints are:
Difficulty starting to urinate Weak stream of urine Urination takes an unusually long time Urine drips from the urethra after the bladder does not empty completely Pain when urinating Frequent need to urinate, even at night
The reason for this could be a cancerous tumor that is pressing on the urethra. More common, however, is a benign enlargement of the prostate, which is usually harmless. In both cases, however, you should go to the doctor and have the cause clarified.
2. Blood or discoloration in the urine
Men should also discuss blood or noticeable discoloration in their urine or semen with a doctor. These changes can indicate inflammation or infection, but also a tumor.
3. Problems during sexual intercourse
A change in the prostate can also become noticeable during sexual intercourse:
Erectile dysfunction Pain during erection Pain during sexual intercourse
If these problems occur over a long period of time you should consult a doctor. Because: “Prostate cancer usually only causes pain when tumor cells have spread beyond the organ,” explains the German Cancer Information Service (DKFZ).
Risk factors
Certain aspects can influence the development of prostate cancer. According to the DKFZ, these include:
Age, family history, ethnicity (dark-skinned men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than light-skinned men)
There is little reliable information about lifestyle-related risk factors. The World Cancer Research Fund suggests in a report that
Obesity Overweight and frequent consumption of red meat
increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Good chances of curing prostate cancer
The five-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer is 91 percent. This means that more than 9 out of 10 men with prostate cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis. The chance of survival depends very much on the stage of the disease.