Alarm as are dying record 12,000 a year of prostate cancer
DEATHS from prostate cancer have hit a record high – exceeding 12,000 in a year for the first time.
Late diagnoses, an ageing population and too many men seeing their disease return are driving the rise, the charity Prostate Cancer UK said.
Estimates suggest it will overtake breast disease to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer by the end of this decade.
Former BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull, who was diagnosed in 2017, is leading calls for renewed momentum to tackle the disease.
He said: “As someone whose prostate cancer was diagnosed once it had spread, I’m all too aware of how important it is that we find ways to improve diagnosis and treatment so that lives are not cut short.”
Latest UK figures show the number of men who lost their lives to prostate cancer reached 12,031 in 2017. This was up from 11,637 the year before and 11,307 in 2014.
However, patients diagnosed today have a better chance of survival than 10 years ago. And NHS England wants three-quarters of cancers to be diagnosed at an early stage by 2028.
Currently just 47 per cent of prostate cancers are diagnosed early, when treatment is more likely to be successful. More than one in five cases are diagnosed at stage four, when it is usually incurable.
Bill, 63, who is an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK, revealed in March 2018 he had been diagnosed with an incurable form of the disease the previous November, and that it had already spread to his bones.
He had nine rounds of chemotherapy, followed by hormone injections to strengthen his bones.
He said: “In the two years since I went public with my illness, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many brilliant people who are doing their bit to fight prostate cancer.
“From researchers to health professionals, fundraisers and volunteers, it’s been hugely inspiring.
“However, more still needs to be done. If everyone across the country does one thing to support Prostate Cancer UK this year, then we can make a huge impact.”
Bill was one of 48,561 men to be diagnosed in 2017, up from 48,523 the year before and 47,864 in 2014.
Prostate Cancer UK’s research plans include finding better diagnostic tests that could form the basis for a national screening programme.
It is also funding research to improve the effectiveness of treatments for localised prostate cancer, so fewer men see their cancer return. The charity is asking the public to pledge their support and take action to help this year.
It also wants the Government and health providers to uphold previous funding commitments to give the disease the focus it deserves.
Chief executive Angela Culhane said: “By 2030, prostate cancer is set to be the most commonly diagnosed of all cancers in the UK.
“Before we reach this point, we absolutely must ensure that as many of these men as possible have their prostate cancer caught early and successfully treated.”
Rebecca Porta, chief executive of the Orchid Cancer Appeal charity, said: “We urgently need to see more emphasis on improving awareness of risk factors and symptoms of prostate cancer amongst men and GPs.”
Amy Hirst, health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: “We’re working on finding more accurate ways to diagnose prostate cancer, giving us the best chance of saving those with aggressive disease, whilst minimising harm to others.”
‘We need emphasis on awareness of the risk factors’