European Urology

Arnhem, April 2010 -- According to figures in Estimates of cancer incidence and mortality in Europe in 2008 by J. Ferlay et al (an article in the European Journal of Cancer 46 (2010), pages 765–781), prostate cancer is the most numerous cancer diagnosed in men (382,000, 22.2% of the total). There were an estimated 3.2 million cancer cases (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) diagnosed, 53% (1.7 million) occurring in men. The most common forms of cancers were colorectal cancers (436,000 cases, 13.6% of all cancer cases), followed by breast cancer (421,000, 13.1%), lung cancer (391,000, 12.2%) and prostate cancer (382,000, 11.9%).

The incidence of prostate cancer is increasing dramatically, especially in countries where PSA testing of older men has become widespread. Mortality has however decreased in several countries which may be related to improved outcome following early diagnosis.

What do these figures mean? Should all men be screened from now on? And should all men with prostate cancer be treated? During the Anniversary EAU Congress (to be held in Barcelona from 16-20 April) the official EAU press event, entitled 'Prostate cancer screening in Europe – the debate continues' will tackle prostate cancer screening issues.

The following issues will be addressed and discussed:

- Brief explanation of the importance of the most recent results from the ERSPC trial (Prof. Fritz Schröder) and the SPCG-4 (Prof. Lars Holmberg) and their possible impact on prostate cancer screening policy in Europe;

- Short description of the current situation in prostate cancer screening in larger European countries, i.e. the UK (Prof. Chris Chapple), Sweden (Prof. Per-Anders Abrahamsson), Italy (Prof. Walter Artibani) and Germany (Prof. Manfred Wirth), the developments over the past year and what should be done in the future;

- Prof. Louis Denis (Secretary Europa UOMO): What impact do recent developments have on the 'man in the street'? What do they expect from their governments with regard to prostate cancer screening and is this feasible?

- Mr Alojz Peterle (Member of European Parliament): political views on actions against cancer and where should we go from here (discussion)?

- EAU's point of view (Prof. Per-Anders Abrahamsson, EAU Secretary General)

Prof. Freddie Hamdy (GB) will be chairing the meeting. Media representatives are invited to take part in the discussion and query the experts.
The event will take place on Saturday 17 April from 12.00 to 13.30 hrs in the Press Conference Room (level 0, room Berlin). A welcome reception for all members of the media is included.

For more information, please contact Ms Lindy Brouwer, EAU Communication Officer, at l.brouwer@uroweb.org.