New research by The Lancet projects that annual prostate cancer cases will double in the next 20 years, rising from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million in 2040.
Prostate cancer deaths are expected to increase by 85% to almost 700,000 per year over the same timeframe. Low- and middle-income countries are predicted to see the highest increases in both cases and deaths.
The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer, co-authored by Movember, calls for evidence-based interventions to help save lives and prevent poor health for those with prostate cancer.
" The data is clear — there is a surge of prostate cancer cases coming and it is time to take action. Movember is committed to finding global solutions that help men to live longer. "
— Sarah Weller, Global Director for Prostate Cancer at Movember
More research on ethnic inequities
Research and knowledge of prostate cancer is heavily focussed on White European men, and most studies have been done in high-income countries.
However, Black men, especially those of West African descent, have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than White or Asian men. The reasons for this are unclear. There is also a higher death rate from prostate cancer among Black men. But, again, it is not known if this is driven by the differences in case rates or by other factors such as differing disease biology or societal factors such as deprivation or racism.
The Commission authors highlight the need for more research to better understand prostate cancer in men who are not of White European origin, to enable improved detection and care in these groups.
Learn what Movember is doing about it here