Prostate Cancer Cases to Double by 2040 but Australia Prepared to Deal with Surge
15 April 2024
The Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ), the peak industry body for urological surgeons and other health professionals is welcoming new analysis in a landmark commission by The Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer, which suggests prostate cancer cases are projected to rise worldwide from 1.4 million cases currently to 2.9 million by 2040.
USANZ Genitourinary (GU) Oncology Special Advisory Group Deputy Leader Associate Professor Weranja Ranasinghe, says although the findings are alarming, Australia is well-placed to manage the spike thanks to availability of advanced diagnostic tools, improvements in treatments and quality control registries, but it needs to be coupled with more awareness.
“Australia is better placed than many other nations to deal with a sharp spike in prostate cancer cases, but the urgent review of guidelines can’t come soon enough,” says Associate Professor Ranasinghe.
“Prostate cancer is not commonly understood or spoken about, particularly amongst high-risk younger men, leaving too many in the dark about their cancer risk and that can be deadly,” he added.
The Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer, the largest study of its kind, also predicts an 85% increase in deaths from the disease to almost 700,000 by 2040.
Associate Professor Ranasinghe cautions the true death rate globally over the next two decades could be higher due to underdiagnosis of aggressive prostate cancers and missing data in low and middle income countries.
“Prostate cancer is already a major cause of death and disability, and the most common form of male cancer in more than 100 countries,” says Associate Professor Ranasinghe.
“It’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia with over 25,000 new cases every year, and more than 11 deaths a day.”
Associate Professor Ranasinghe says Australia has heeded the calls to do more, with outdated guidelines on PSA testing now under review.
“These updated guidelines are going to provide a more formalised approach to testing as a more structured approach to early detection, along with increasing public awareness around prostate cancer will see fewer Australian men become a statistic in these concerning future predictions.”
Associate Professor Ranasinghe says Australia is in a fortunate position with knowledge and resources at our disposal compared to many other nations.
“It’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia with over 25,000 new cases every year, and more than 11 deaths a day.”
Associate Professor Ranasinghe says Australia has heeded the calls to do more, with outdated guidelines on PSA testing now under review.
“These updated guidelines are going to provide a more formalised approach to testing as a more structured approach to early detection, along with increasing public awareness around prostate cancer will see fewer Australian men become a statistic in these concerning future predictions.”
Associate Professor Ranasinghe says Australia is in a fortunate position with knowledge and resources at our disposal compared to many other nations.
“As urologists we work together with general practitioners to identify individuals with high risk of prostate cancer. Our aim is to not identify the indolent, low grade prostate cancers but, utilise advanced imaging techniques such as MRIs and PET scans and latest biopsy techniques to help us identify aggressive forms of prostate cancer early.” says Associate Professor Ranasinghe.
“The causes of prostate cancer are unknown but the risk increases in men aged 50 to 69, if a man’s father or brother has had prostate cancer, and if there’s a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.
“Men should discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctor around the age of 50, however, those with a family history of prostate cancer are at a greater risk, and should begin speaking with their doctor about screening for prostate cancer sooner, at age 40-45,” he says.
About the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand
USANZ is the peak professional body for urological surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. Urologists are surgeons who treat men, women and children with problems involving the kidney, bladder, prostate and male reproductive organs. These conditions include cancer, stones, infection, incontinence, urination difficulties, sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor problems.
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