Do many people die from prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in men, and its mortality rate is closely related to the time of discovery, treatment methods and individual differences. The 5-year survival rate of patients diagnosed early can reach more than 90%, while the mortality rate of late-stage metastatic prostate cancer is significantly higher.

1. Morbidity and mortality:

Prostate cancer ranks among the leading causes of cancer death in men worldwide. The incidence of prostate cancer in our country is on the rise. Data in 2022 show that the disease ranks sixth among male malignant tumor deaths, and about 30% of patients have entered the mid-to-late stage when diagnosed. Mortality rates are affected by regional differences. European and American countries have relatively low mortality rates due to widespread screening.

2. Age factor:

The mortality rate for patients under 50 years old is less than 5%, and those over 70 years old account for 80% of deaths. Aging is an important risk factor. As age increases, the invasiveness and risk of metastasis of cancer cells increase significantly. At the same time, combined underlying diseases will also affect the effectiveness of treatment.

3. Pathological grading:

The mortality rate of high-risk patients with a Gleason score ≥8 was three times that of the low-risk group. High-grade tumors are more likely to develop bone metastasis and visceral metastasis. About 65% of death cases are accompanied by multi-organ metastasis. Among them, complications caused by bone metastasis are one of the main causes of death.

4. Treatment timing:

The 10-year survival rate of patients who undergo radical prostatectomy in the limited stage is over 85%, while the 5-year survival rate of patients who miss the opportunity for surgery drops to 30%. After the emergence of endocrine therapy resistance, approximately 40% of patients will develop cancer progression within 2 years.

5. Regional differences:

In developed countries, PSA screening has reduced mortality by 40%, and the mortality rate in rural areas of my country is 1.8 times higher than that in cities. The uneven distribution of medical resources leads to differences in early diagnosis rates, and patients in less developed areas are more likely to delay treatment.

It is recommended that men over 50 years old undergo PSA testing and digital rectal examination every year, maintain a low-fat and high-fiber diet, and supplement with appropriate amounts of lycopene and vitamin E. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of the disease by 25%. Exercises such as squats and swimming that exercise the pelvic floor muscles are particularly recommended. If symptoms such as difficulty urinating or bone pain occur, you should seek medical attention promptly. Patients with confirmed cases should follow the doctor's advice to regularly review testosterone levels and bone scans. Family support has a positive effect on improving the quality of life of terminally ill patients, and psychological intervention can improve treatment compliance.