EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS IN DIFFERENT REGIONS OF KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is common malignancy affecting the prostate gland, the small organ about the size of a walnut that is located just below the bladder in males. It is the second most prevalent cancer to be diagnosed and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among men worldwide. Objectives: Cross-sectional epidemiological analysis aimed to investigate incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer in distinct regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: The study analyzed the prevalence and mortality rates of prostate cancer in distinct regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Study utilized data from national cancer registries, hospital records, and population-based surveys to gather and statistically analyze relevant information. Results: A total of 2,718 patients were tested for prostate cancer, out of which 250 individuals were diagnosed with the disease, yielding a prevalence rate of 9.19%. Variations in prevalence rates were observed among different districts, with Peshawar (10.02%) and Dera Ismail Khan (10.84%) exhibiting the highest rates. Age-specific analysis revealed the highest prevalence rate in the ">65" age group (19.23%). Risk factor analysis highlighted aging, genetic predisposition, obesity, dietary factors, hormonal imbalances, and exposure to chemicals and radiation as significant contributors to prostate cancer. Conclusion: These findings provide insights into the burden, regional disparities, age-specific patterns, and risk factors associated with prostate cancer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, enabling the development of targeted interventions and preventive strategies to mitigate its impact.