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Evaluating Potential Impacts of Climate-Related Natural Disasters on Subsequent Prostate Cancer Mortality
Alexander P Cole1,2, Zhiyu Qian1,2, Yu-Jen Chen2
1Department of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Cancer Medicine
|February 12, 2026
Summary
Climate disasters significantly increase prostate cancer mortality, with a 28% rise two years post-disaster. This highlights the vulnerability of cancer care to environmental disruptions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Climate-related events disrupt healthcare systems, potentially worsening cancer outcomes.
- Prostate cancer's significant burden and risk spectrum may lead to treatment delays, especially in advanced stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of climate-related natural disasters on mortality rates for metastatic prostate cancer.
- To assess the dose-dependent relationship between disaster severity and prostate cancer mortality.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of men diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer (2010-2020) in SEER-supported counties affected by climate disasters (2012-2018).
- Comparison of age-standardized incidence-based mortality (IBM) rates in the 2 years pre- and post-disaster.
- Stratification of disasters into 'major' events based on FEMA assistance and comparison with unaffected counties.
Main Results:
- Prostate cancer IBM rates increased by 15% at 1 year and 28% at 2 years post-disaster compared to the index year.
- Counties experiencing 'major' disasters showed stronger associations, with mortality rates 21% and 35% higher at 1 and 2 years, respectively.
- No similar mortality pattern was observed in non-exposed counties.
Conclusions:
- A significant, dose-dependent increase in metastatic prostate cancer mortality follows climate-related natural disasters.
- Potential contributing factors include delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, and treatment interruptions for advanced prostate cancer.
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