Prostate cancer burden in major BRICS countries, 1990-2019: findings from the 2019 global burden of disease study.

Background: This study assessed prostate cancer burden and trends in major BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) from 1990 to 2019.

Methods: Utilizing Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 data, we calculated age-standardized rates for prostate cancer incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Joinpoint regression analysis determined the average annual percentage change (AAPC) for trend characterization.

Results: Prostate cancer ranked highest in China for incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. In 2019, Brazil had the highest age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) [55.029 (95% UI: 47.744-81.831)] and age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) [372.511 (95% UI: 327.549-549.128)], while South Africa recorded the highest age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) [42.241 (95% UI: 32.146-47.933)], and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) [666.085 (95% UI: 522.626-764.612)]. ASIR and ASPR increased significantly over three decades (AAPC > 0), with varying ASMR and ASDR trends.

Conclusions: Prostate cancer poses a significant public health challenge. While incidence and prevalence rise, mortality declines in China, India, and Brazil. Tailored health policies are crucial to address diverse disease burden characteristics.