University of [University Name] - Prostate Cancer: Epidemiology Report

This report focuses on the epidemiology of prostate cancer, particularly within the context of Australia. It highlights the prevalence of the disease and the importance of early detection. The report discusses the screening process, including the use of prostate-specific antigen and digital rectal examinations, while also addressing the limitations and considerations for implementing effective screening programs. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the natural history of the disease, cultural sensitivities, treatment availability, and cost-effectiveness. The report references key sources and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities related to prostate cancer screening and management, aiming to inform health policy and improve patient outcomes. The report stresses the need for a cost-effective approach to make screening accessible to all. The report also discusses the need to understand patient's physical and psychological risks.

Running head: INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY AND BIO-STATISTICS
INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY AND BIO-STATISTICS
Name of the student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY AND BIO-STATISTICS
As it has been identified that the risk of prostate cancer is high for men, people are
seeking for early diagnosis for the illness. Study has indicated that the cancer can be treated if
detected at early stage (1). On the other hand, Australian Institute for Health and Welfare has
been identified prostate cancer as the most prevalent cancer that has been diagnosed in
Australia and 79 new cases of prostate cancer is diagnosed per 100000 male in the population
(2). Hence, prostate cancer has been identified as one of the major contributor to the
morbidity and mortality rate of Australia. Therefore, it is required to introduce screening
process in order to detect the illness at early stage. Prostate specific antigen and digital rectal
examination have been found to be most common screening process in USA, however, the
screening process is not included in the health policy of UK due to high health care cost. In
addition, it has been reported that all the tumours identified by these screening process are not
clinically relevant, hence, there is a doubt about the use of these screening process in the
detection of prostate cancer at early stage (3). Hence, it is important to consider some factors
before implementing any screening test for prostate cancer in Australia. The factors include,
understanding of natural history of human physiology and the illness, introducing effective
screening for early stage of prostate cancer that is acceptable for the people with diverse
cultural background, introducing adequate treatment after ensuring the presence of cancer,
intervals for repeating the test for confirmation, ensuring less physical and psychological risk
for the patient and most importantly the screening test needs to be cost effective so that it can
be accessible and affordable for all (4). It would help the health department of Australia to
introduce an effective screening technique and achieve expected health outcomes to minimize
the risk of prostate cancer in the population.

2INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY AND BIO-STATISTICS
References:
1. Wilt TJ, Harris RP, Qaseem A. Screening for cancer: advice for high-value care from
the American College of Physicians. Annals of internal medicine. 2015 May 19;
162(10): 718-25.
2. aihw.gov.au (2018). Australia's health Overview - Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-statistics/health-welfare-
overview/australias-health/overview
3. Malone P. Screening for prostate cancer: the case for. Annals of the Royal College of
Surgeons of England. 2005 Mar;87(2):88.
4. Heidenreich A, Bellmunt J, Bolla M, Joniau S, Mason M, Matveev V, Mottet N,
Schmid HP, van der Kwast T, Wiegel T, Zattoni F. EAU guidelines on prostate
cancer. Part 1: screening, diagnosis, and treatment of clinically localised disease.
European urology. 2011 Jan 1;59(1):61-71.