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Worldwide patterns of prevalence and mortality from benign prostatic hyperplasia
P Napalkov1, P Maisonneuve, P Boyle
1Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.
Urology
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects many older men, yet its epidemiology and risk factors remain poorly understood. More research is crucial to define BPH and address its growing prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is highly prevalent in older men, with autopsy findings in 88% of men over 80.
- Nearly 50% of men over 50 report symptoms compatible with BPH, highlighting its commonality.
- The term 'prostatism' is often incorrectly used as a synonym for BPH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the critical need for establishing a clear epidemiologic definition of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
- To highlight BPH and prostatism as priority research areas due to their increasing prevalence.
- To underscore the significant gap in epidemiologic knowledge, especially concerning prostatism globally.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review and analysis of existing literature on BPH epidemiology.
- It identifies challenges in conducting analytic epidemiologic studies for BPH.
- The focus is on defining the scope of the problem and research needs.
Main Results:
- Epidemiologic data for BPH is sparse, with limited understanding of risk factors.
- Analytic epidemiologic studies for BPH are challenging to execute.
- The occurrence of prostatism is unknown in many global regions.
Conclusions:
- There is a substantial need for more epidemiologic information on BPH and prostatism.
- Establishing an epidemiologic definition for BPH is essential for accurate research and understanding.
- BPH and prostatism represent growing health concerns requiring focused research into causes and treatments.