Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men globally. Its cases have increased rapidly in the last decade. Prostate cancer alone accounts for three percent of all cancer cases in India. An estimated 50 thousand new cases are reported in the country every year. Health experts say, in most cases, cancer is diagnosed in advanced stages where it becomes difficult to treat the disease and save the life of the patient.
Recent studies have revealed scary figures regarding prostate cancer. Researchers say that prostate cancer cases are estimated to more than double worldwide, which can be a major health crisis.
Deaths due to this cancer are expected to increase by 85 percent between 2020 and 2040. This can cause great strain on health. This disease is also the main cause of cancer deaths in men.
Prostate cancer cases may increase by 2040
According to the report of this study published in The Lancet Journal, the annual cases of prostate cancer are estimated to reach 2.9 million (29 lakh) by the year 2040, currently in the year 2020, more than 14 lakh cases are being reported annually worldwide. Low- and middle-income countries are seeing a higher risk of increased mortality than most high-income countries, health experts said. Deaths during this period are expected to increase by 85 percent to about 700,000 each year.
It is noteworthy that the risk of this cancer also increases with increasing age.
Older men are at greater risk
The actual number of increase in prostate cancer cases is likely to be much higher, researchers said. The risk of this cancer increases in people aged 50 years or older.
Nick James, Professor of Prostate and Bladder Cancer Research at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, says, that as the number of middle-aged and older men increases around the world, the incidence of prostate cancer is also expected to increase. Therefore, to prevent cancer and keep people safe from it, we have to start planning and taking action now.
What do health experts say?
Health experts said, that to reduce the increasing risks of prostate cancer, it is necessary to increase programs related to its diagnosis and make people aware at the global level. It is necessary to make people understand what important measures can be taken to stay safe from prostate cancer.
Nasser Turabi, director of Cancer Research UK, says, this study alerts the increasing number of people suffering from prostate cancer worldwide, and its dangers in the aging population. Prostate cancer cases in the UK have increased by almost 150% in the last 25 years.
How can we prevent this cancer?
The researchers point out that there is no specific way to prevent prostate cancer. But you can reduce the risk of this cancer by making choices like exercise and a healthy diet. Researchers said the risk of prostate cancer is seen to be higher in men with overweight or high body mass index (BMI) i.e. BMI of 30 or more. If you are overweight or obese, try to lose weight. By controlling your weight and keeping your diet healthy and nutritious, you can significantly reduce the risk of this cancer.
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