Prostate Cancer Incidence, Mortality, and Survival in Switzerland

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and prognosis vary globally, influenced by early detection practices.
• Some nations, like the US, observed an increase in metastatic PCa following shifts in screening recommendations around 2012.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in PCa incidence, mortality, and survival rates in Switzerland.
• To provide data for guiding policy and clinical practice related to PCa management.

Main Methods:

• A population-based cohort study utilizing data from the Swiss National Agency for Cancer Registration (1980-2021).
• Estimation of age-standardized incidence and mortality rates, and 10-year relative survival.
• Subgroup analyses based on age, cancer stage (SEER, UICC), and Gleason score.

Main Results:

• PCa incidence in Switzerland showed an initial rise, a decrease between 2011-2014, and a subsequent increase by 2021.
• Trends indicate increased overdiagnosis of localized PCa (Stage I-II, Gleason ≤7) and a rise in advanced-stage (distant, Stage IV) PCa post-2011.
• PCa mortality declined consistently, while 10-year relative survival significantly improved, reaching 88.5% for diagnoses in 2012-2021.

Conclusions:

• Switzerland's PCa trends suggest increased overdiagnosis of lower-risk disease and a simultaneous rise in advanced-stage diagnoses.
• Despite these trends, overall PCa prognosis has improved, indicating a need to optimize early detection strategies.
• Findings underscore the potential for refining PCa screening and diagnostic approaches.