PROSTATE CANCER
in Brazil

In Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica and Mexico, prostate cancer mortality rates have slightly declined since the 1990s; while in Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and Ecuador rates have steadily increased from 1980 to 2010. Declines in prostate cancer mortality may be related to improvements in treatment and early detection; however, the impact of prostate cancer screening in reducing mortality remains a subject of considerable debate. Early detection of prostate cancer is controversial and not standardized in the Region. The worldwide variation of prostate cancer incidence rates and trends largely reflects differences in the use of prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing. PSA dosage is the most frequent screening method and has a better cost/benefit ratio, although with limited specificity. The use of rectal exams as part of physical exams is influenced by cultural factors among different populations. The disproportionately high mortality rates from prostate cancer in Central and South America could be a reflection of delayed diagnosis, as many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

In March 2019, AHF helped convene an electronic consensus entitled “Consensus on Diagnosis and Management of Non-Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer in Brazil: A Report from the X International Uro-Oncology Congress 2019.” The paper has been published in JCO Global Oncology. Click here to read the full article.