In the EU, more than two million people are living with prostate cancer, the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men.1 Diagnosis rates for prostate cancer are increasing and around 450,000 new cases were diagnosed in Europe in 2018, compared to an estimated 345,000 new cases in 2012.2, 3
Studies have indicated that people with a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background in the UK are at 2-3 times the risk of prostate cancer in comparison to their Caucasian counterparts.4
There is up to a three-fold variation in prostate cancer incidence across Europe, ranging from an estimated 63.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Romania to 211.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Sweden. The EU28 average is 150.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.5 Environmental factors like dietary variations amongst countries can play a factor.6,7,8
There are several factors that contribute to the variation in prostate cancer incidence including varying approaches to PSA screening programmes. Screening and early detection are key in preventing disease progression to more advanced forms of the condition.9
1
Van Poppel, H et al. Prostate Cancer: Recommendations to lower the risk and mortality of the most frequent cancer in men. European Association of Urology. 2018. Accessible at https://uroweb.org/wp-content/uploads/EAU_WhitePaper_PCa_final.pdf (last accessed September 2020)
2
Ferlay, J et al. Cancer incidence and mortality patterns in Europe: Estimates for 40 countries and 25 major cancers in 2018. European Journal of Cancer. 2018; 103:356-387
3
European Commission. Epidemiology of prostate cancer in Europe. 2018. Centre of Parliamentary Studies. Accessible at https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/publication/epidemiology-prostate-cancer-europe (last accessed September 2020)
4
Jones, LC and and Chinegwundoh, F. Update on prostate cancer in black men within the UK. 2014. Ecancermedicalscience. 2014; 8:455
5
Hofmarcher, T et al. Comparator Report on Cancer in Europe in 2019. IHE Report 2019:7. Accessible at https://www.efpia.eu/publications/cancer-comparator-report/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/ (last accessed September 2020)
6
Van Poppel, H and Tombal, B. Chemoprevention of prostate cancer with nutrients and supplements. 2011. Cancer Management and Research. 2011; 3: 91-100
7
Bylsma, LC and Alexander, DD. A review and meta-analysis of prospective studies of red and processed meat, meat cooking methods, heme iron, heterocyclic amines and prostate cancer. 2015. Nutrition Journal. 2015;14: 125
8
Van Poppel, H et al. White paper on Prostate Cancer, Recommendations for the EU Cancer Plan to tackle Prostate Cancer. European Association of Urology. 2020. Accessible at https://uroweb.org/wp-content/uploads/EAU-Prostate-Cancer-Pca-WhitePaper-Recommendation-for-Recommendations-for-the-EU-Cancer-Plan-May-2020.pdf (last accessed September 2020)
9
Van Poppel, H et al. Policy Paper on PSA Screening for Prostate Cancer. European Association of Urology. 2019. Accessible at http://epad.uroweb.org/wp-content/uploads/EAU_policy-briefing_PSA.pdf (last accessed September 2020)
