Prostate Cancer Incidence in Turkey: An Epidemiological Study

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> This study aimed to determine the incidence of prostate cancer in Turkey in a population-basedsample, and to determine clinical and pathological characteristics of the cases. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Allnewly diagnosed prostate cancer patients were included in this national, multi-centered, prospective and noninterventionalepidemiological registry study conducted in 12 cities representing the 12 regions of Turkey fromJuly 2008 to June 2009. The population-based sample comprised 4,150 patients with a recent prostate cancerdiagnosis. <br/><b>Results</b>: Age-adjusted prostate cancer incidence rate was 35 cases per 100,000 in Turkey. At the timeof diagnosis, median age was 68, median PSA level was 10.0 ng/mL. Digital rectal examination was abnormal in36.2% of 3,218 tested cases. Most patients had urologic complaints. The main diagnostic method was transrectalultrasound guided biopsy (87.8%). Gleason score was ≤6 in 49.1%, 7 in 27.8% and >7 in 20.6% of the cases.There was a statistically significant positive correlation between serum PSA level and Gleason score (p=0.000).The majority of patients (54.4%) had clinical stage T1c. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: This is the first population-based nationaldata of incidence with the histopathological characteristics of prostate cancer in Turkey. Prostate cancer remainsan important public health concern in Turkey with continual increase in the incidence and significant burdenon healthcare resources.