*** Surge in Prostate Cancer Cases in Bahrain: Statistics Reveal Alarming Trends | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Surge in Prostate Cancer Cases in Bahrain: Statistics Reveal Alarming Trends

TDT | Manama

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A recent statistical report has highlighted a significant increase in prostate cancer cases among males in Bahrain, showing a staggering 70% rise since 2016. The data indicates a troubling upward trend in the number of diagnosed cases over the past several years.

In 2015, the number of prostate cancer cases recorded was 26. This figure rose to 38 in 2016, followed by a further increase to 48 cases in 2017. Although there was a slight decline to 46 cases in 2018, the numbers surged again, with 63 cases reported in 2019 and 62 in 2020. The year 2021 saw a notable leap to 72 cases, culminating in 79 cases in 2022. Overall, between 2015 and 2022, there has been an increase of around 53 cases, bringing the total to 434 registered cases during this period.

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Commenting on the statistics, Dr Mohammed Al Alawi, Urology Consultant in Ibn Al Nasfees Hospital, told the Daily Tribune: "The noticeable rise in prostate cancer in Bahrain due to multiple factors. Lifestyle significantly changed, and genetic factors started to be obvious. Having said that, however, the awareness of the public became better and they seek medical services more often. The most important factor is that modality of diagnosis became widely available, including MRI, and prostatic biopsy," 

He further added: "In my opinion there are a lot of cases not recorded in Bahrain cancer registry or Bahrain oncology cancer and may not be included in the statistics because they will go individually abroad and receive treatment without passing in our national systems.  In Bahrain all the treatments available now including the robotic assisted radical prostatectomy which are available  in royal medical services from August 2024." 

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Colon Cancer Cases Also on the Rise

In addition to prostate cancer, the report noted a 15% increase in colon cancer cases among males over recent years. The figures show fluctuations, with 54 cases recorded in 2015, decreasing to 44 in 2016, then rising to 50 in 2017. The number declined again to 39 in 2018 but surged to 80 cases in 2019. In 2020, there were 68 cases, and 65 cases were reported in 2021. Overall, the total number of colon cancer cases registered during this timeframe is 400, reflecting an increase of 11 cases.

Rising Incidence Among Females

The statistics also reveal a 30% increase in colon cancer cases among females. In 2015, there were 36 cases, which rose to 47 in 2016. The number fell to 39 in 2017 but again increased to 36 in 2018. By 2019, it reached 58 cases, with 55 in 2020 and around 52 in 2021. The total registered cases among females during this period amount to 323, indicating an increase of 16 cases.

Prostate cancer originates in the prostate gland, part of the male reproductive system located below the bladder. Conversely, colon cancer begins in the colon (large intestine) and occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the colon wall, leading to tumor formation.

These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and early detection measures for cancer in Bahrain, particularly among males and females at risk.