Countries with high circumcision prevalence have lower prostate cancer mortality

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Epidemiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Prostate cancer is a significant global health concern, with varying mortality rates across different countries.
• Male circumcision (MC) is a practice with diverse prevalence worldwide, potentially influencing health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the global relationship between the prevalence of male circumcision (MC) and prostate carcinoma mortality rates.
• To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with prostate cancer mortality.

Main Methods:

• Utilized negative binomial regression to analyze data from 85 countries.
• MC prevalence data categorized into 81%-100%, 20%-80%, and 0%-19% groups.
• Incorporated data on prostate cancer mortality, gross national income, life expectancy, and religious demographics.

Main Results:

• Countries with 81%-100% MC prevalence exhibited significantly lower prostate carcinoma mortality rates compared to those with 0%-19% (adjOR=1.82) and 20%-80% (adjOR=1.80) prevalence.
• Higher Muslim population percentages and longer male life expectancy were associated with reduced mortality.
• Increased gross national income per capita correlated with higher prostate cancer mortality.

Conclusions:

• A high prevalence of male circumcision (over 80%) is significantly associated with lower prostate cancer mortality.
• Factors such as religious demographics, life expectancy, and economic status also play a role in prostate cancer mortality rates.