Prostate Cancer Cases in Israel Expected to Rise Significantly
The Association for Fighting Cancer in Israel estimates that approximately 3,725 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Israel by the end of 2026, averaging about 310 men per month. The organization also projects that around 538 men will die from the disease annually. These figures highlight a concerning upward trend in the incidence of prostate cancer, the most common cancer among Israeli men, particularly those over 60.
Data from Israel's Ministry of Health confirms this trend, showing an annual increase in new diagnoses. Between 2015 and 2022, there was a 3.8% annual rise among Jewish men and a 2.8% annual rise among Arab men. Long-term projections from the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer suggest that by 2050, around 4,710 men in Israel could be diagnosed with prostate cancer, with approximately 1,150 deaths.
Despite the rising numbers, about 75% of prostate cancer cases in Israel are diagnosed at an early stage, when the tumor is still confined to the prostate. At this stage, treatment success rates are high, with a nearly 100% five-year survival rate. However, not all early-stage tumors require immediate treatment; some low-risk cases are managed with active surveillance.
Recent research has explored potential links to lifestyle factors. A Finnish study indicated a correlation between alcohol consumption and increased prostate cancer risk, with higher consumption linked to greater risk. Conversely, a meta-analysis of numerous studies suggested that higher levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer and other urological cancers. Another study from Spain observed a potential link between high lycopene intake, found in tomatoes, and a lower risk of prostate cancer diagnosis.
Experts from the Association for Fighting Cancer recommend a healthy lifestyle to potentially reduce risk, including regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and limiting processed foods, red meat, smoking, and alcohol. Genetic counseling may be considered for men with a family history of certain cancers or those diagnosed at a young age.
