Sophia Zackrisson
Manager
Prostate cancer diagnostics: evolution over 30 years and the impact of education level – a prospective population-based study
Author
Summary, in English
Objective: The aim of this study is to describe how the use of diagnostic imaging
for prostate cancer (PCa) has evolved over time and to determine whether there
are any differences in access to diagnostic imaging, type of cancers detected, and
mortality based on the education level of patients.
Methods: 11,063 men were recruited between 1991 and 1996 and then
prospectively followed until 2020. All new cases of PCa were recorded. At
baseline, data on education level, heredity for cancer, and health status were
collected. Incident PCa diagnoses during the study period were ascertained
through record matching with national healthcare registers. The registers
provided more detailed data on the cancer type and imaging performed.
Results: 1,816 men with diagnosed were PCa during the study period were
included. No differences were seen between education levels in regard to access
to diagnostic methods or tumour aggressiveness at diagnosis. Furthermore, no
differences were seen in PCa-specific mortality, but there was higher overall
mortality among individuals with a lower education level. During the study
period, the use of plain radiographic examinations decreased, while the use of
computed tomography (CT), prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and
positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) increased.
Conclusion: Early detection and diagnostic methods for PCa have evolved over
the last 30 years. In a healthcare system where men diagnosed with PCa had
equal access to diagnostic pathways, no differences are seen in PCa specific
mortality. Nevertheless, men with lower education level still had higher
overall mortality.
for prostate cancer (PCa) has evolved over time and to determine whether there
are any differences in access to diagnostic imaging, type of cancers detected, and
mortality based on the education level of patients.
Methods: 11,063 men were recruited between 1991 and 1996 and then
prospectively followed until 2020. All new cases of PCa were recorded. At
baseline, data on education level, heredity for cancer, and health status were
collected. Incident PCa diagnoses during the study period were ascertained
through record matching with national healthcare registers. The registers
provided more detailed data on the cancer type and imaging performed.
Results: 1,816 men with diagnosed were PCa during the study period were
included. No differences were seen between education levels in regard to access
to diagnostic methods or tumour aggressiveness at diagnosis. Furthermore, no
differences were seen in PCa-specific mortality, but there was higher overall
mortality among individuals with a lower education level. During the study
period, the use of plain radiographic examinations decreased, while the use of
computed tomography (CT), prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and
positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) increased.
Conclusion: Early detection and diagnostic methods for PCa have evolved over
the last 30 years. In a healthcare system where men diagnosed with PCa had
equal access to diagnostic pathways, no differences are seen in PCa specific
mortality. Nevertheless, men with lower education level still had higher
overall mortality.
Department/s
- Radiology Diagnostics, Malmö
- LUCC: Lund University Cancer Centre
- Diagnostic Radiology, (Lund)
- eSSENCE: The e-Science Collaboration
- Urological cancer, Malmö
- EpiHealth: Epidemiology for Health
- LTH Profile Area: Photon Science and Technology
Publishing year
2025
Language
English
Pages
01-10
Publication/Series
Frontiers in Oncology
Volume
15
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Frontiers Media S. A.
Topic
- Urology
- Cancer and Oncology
- Epidemiology
Status
Published
Research group
- Radiology Diagnostics, Malmö
- Urological cancer, Malmö
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 2234-943X