Prostate Cancer 2014 Report, Project "Keeping the Science Current"
American Institute for Cancer Research / World Cancer Research Fund
USA, 2014, 52 pagesProstate cancer is the second most common cancer among men worldwide, and the most
common cancer in males in 84 countries [1]. Occurring more frequently in the developed
world, rates have also been increasing in the developing world; and - as a result of the
large number of cases of prostate cancer detected by screening – it is estimated that in
just over a decade prostate cancer will overtake lung cancer as the most common form
of cancer in men around the globe [2].Prostate cancer becomes more common as men age – in the USA 97% of all prostate
cancers are diagnosed in men 50 years or older - so as life expectancy increases we are
likely to see more cases of the disease.Incidence rates of prostate cancer vary more than 25 fold between different parts of the
world, with the highest rates in Australia, New Zealand, Northern and Western Europe
and North America – a disparity which is, in part, the result of some countries employing
screening methods which pick up large numbers of early cancers.In addition, men with a family history of the disease or of African heritage are more at
risk of developing the disease; for example, in the USA, African American men are 1.6
times more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian men.Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms but can be detected by screening -
although it may remain latent in the body without ever causing harm. With more advanced
cases of the disease, men may experience weak or interrupted urine flow; the inability
to urinate or difficulty starting or stopping urine flow; the need to urinate frequently,
especially at night; blood in the urine; or pain or burning with urination. However, these
symptoms are not specific to prostate cancer and can also be due to benign conditions
such as prostatic hyperplasia.World Cancer Research Fund International’s Continuous Update Project report on
prostate is the most rigorous, systematic, global analysis of the scientific research
currently available on prostate cancer and how certain lifestyle factors affect the risk of
developing the disease.The report is the latest from our Continuous Update Project - the world’s largest source
of scientific research on cancer prevention and survivorship through diet, weight and
physical activity - and builds on our 2007 Second Expert Report [3] on the links between
lifestyle and cancer.In this summary we provide an overview of the scientific findings and conclusions of
the report.
