Prostate Cancer Patients more Likely to Survive in City than Rural Regions

Prostate cancer survival in NSW has improved over the last 20 years but the gap between rural and city patient’s remains, with survival differing significantly based on an individual’s postcode.
A 15-year study, published in the MJA, shows men living outside major cities have a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer compared to men living in cities. Data also indicates if survival in regional and rural areas was the same as that of major cities, there would have been 700 fewer deaths over the 15 year study period.
The study also showed the risk of dying from prostate cancer was also higher for men living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
“More men are surviving prostate cancer than ever before but there is still a large gap we need to close, despite the increasing awareness of geographic differences in cancer survival,” said Associate Professor, David Smith, Cancer Council NSW (pictured above).
The report found that the 10-year survival following prostate cancer diagnosis has increased from 57 percent to 84 percent over the last two decades but the inequality between rural and a city patient has not reduced.
Men living in rural areas of NSW are 32 percent more likely to die from prostate cancer than their city dwelling counterparts. Survival was also lower for men living in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas with these men being 40 per cent more likely to die from prostate cancer compared with those in the least disadvantaged areas.
“We need appropriately detailed data to help understand why these inequalities exist. This information is required urgently so that intervention and policy changes can be guided by the appropriate evidence.
“Data so far suggests that men living in cities are being diagnosed earlier and therefore the disease is caught while it’s still localised and can be treated more effectively. There also seems to be better access to follow-up services in cities.
“We need to know more about rural patients’ full cancer journeys and what exactly is happening, or not happening after their core treatment that could be contributing to this gap in survival.
Until we get further evidence, men aged 50 and over who live in regional and rural areas should have a discussion with their GP about risk factors for prostate cancer and the pro’s and con’s of testing. Men who have already been diagnosed or treated for prostate cancer should ensure they regularly see their specialist and GP about follow-up care.” added Associate Professor Smith.
The study highlighted that 10 percent of prostate cancer deaths could have been avoided if reasonable efforts had been taken to reduce this geographic disparity and by the same token, 26 percent of prostate cancer deaths could have been avoided if the socioeconomic disparity was reduced