Globally, at least 605,000 people are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.1 The regional incidence of prostate cancer varies widely, with some of the highest rates observed in Northern and Western Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.2 In Europe, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed non-cutaneous malignancy in men, accounting for one in five male cancers.3 Overall, 345,900 new cases were identified in 2006 in Europe alone.3
Despite its prevalence, prostate cancer is only the third leading cause of cancer death in European men, causing around 87,000 deaths per year.3
Figures taken from a worldwide study show that most men don’t die from prostate cancer and a major current challenge is to identify those patients who will benefit from therapy.4,5
The epidemiology of prostate cancer has been significantly affected by the widespread introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening.2,3 By facilitating the detection of asymptomatic cancers, this test has prompted a surge in incidence rates and an increase in survival which is suggested is due to the detection of tumours at an earlier stage.2 Patient information on this topic can be found at Unitedagainstprostatecancer.com.
References:
1. World Health Organization. The global burden of disease: 2004 update. Geneva: WHO, 2004.
2. Parkin DM, Bray F, Ferlay J, Pisani P. Global cancer statistics, 2002. CA Cancer J Clin 2005;55:74-108.
3. Ferlay J, Autier P, Boniol M, Heanue M, Colombet M, Boyle P. Estimates of the cancer incidence and mortality in Europe in 2006. Ann Oncol 2007;18:581-92.
4. Coleman MP, Quaresma M, Berrino F; CONCORD Working Group. Cancer survival in five continents: a worldwide population-based study (CONCORD). Lancet Oncol 2008;9:730-56.
5. Kirby RS, Patel MI. Fast facts: prostate cancer (5th ed). Health Press Ltd: Oxford, 2008