Doctors are preparing for a significant increase in prostate cancer cases over the next 15 years, following research that predicts the number of annual diagnoses will double by 2040. A recent study from The Lancet’s Commission on prostate cancer projects global cases to rise from 1.4 million to 2.9 million each year, with deaths expected to reach 700,000 by 2040. The study attributes this surge mainly to aging populations and longer life expectancy.
In the United States, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. The organization estimates that approximately 313,780 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025, and around 35,770 are expected to die from it. Since 2014, new cases have increased by about three percent each year.
Kenneth Johnson, a part-time resident of Sebring, Florida, shared his experience after being diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer. He underwent radiation treatment at AdventHealth Sebring Cancer Institute starting last December. Johnson said he was initially apprehensive about receiving radiation therapy due to concerns about possible side effects affecting his active lifestyle.
“I was scared to death when I went to do it, but everybody was so nice, and matter of fact and I just relaxed,” Johnson said.
He expressed appreciation for the staff’s approach during his treatment: “They were always nice, always cordial, always caring, answered any questions,” Johnson said. “They were very informative. I know they were busy, but they just explained everything and answered all my questions.”
Johnson completed his treatment in February and continues to enjoy outdoor activities with his wife Sue.
“I was lucky,” Johnson added.
Dr. Victoria Selley, Chief Medical Officer of AdventHealth Sebring, Wauchula and Lake Placid emphasized the importance of regular screenings for men age 50 and older: “Patients with prostate cancer often don’t find out they have it until the disease has advanced, that’s why is so critical for men, who are age 50 and older to get screened regularly,” Dr. Selley said. “Early-stage prostate cancer is highly treatable and often curable. Early symptoms can include difficult, frequent or painful urination, blood in semen or pain in the back, hips or pelvis.”
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age—about sixty percent of cases occur in men aged sixty-five or older—and can also depend on race/ethnicity and family history.
AdventHealth operates several facilities across Florida including its Orlando campus founded in 1908; its current president is Terry Shaw (https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-orlando). AdventHealth Orlando also serves as a pediatric ward and training hospital.
More information about urological care at AdventHealth locations in Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula can be found at Urology Care | AdventHealth Sebring.
