Study shows rural prostate cancer danger

Dozens of men die every year because of the gap between prostate cancer treatment in cities and outlying areas, according to a 15-year study.

The NSW study shows that if survival was the same, 700 fewer deaths would have occurred during the 15 years.

Survival differs significantly depending on the man's postcode, with those in disadvantaged areas also having a greater risk of dying, according to the Cancer Council NSW study published in the latest issue of the Medical Journal of Australia.

"More men are surviving prostate cancer than ever before, but there is a large gap we need to close," says co-author Associate Professor David Smith.

The 10-year survival rate for city men has increased dramatically over the past two decades.

But men living in rural areas of NSW are 32 per cent more likely to die from prostate cancer than their city counterparts.

Those in disadvantaged areas are 40 per cent more likely to die from prostate cancer compared with those in the least disadvantaged areas.

One of the reasons for the gap could be earlier diagnosis of city men, says Prof Smith.

There also seems to be better access to follow-up services in cities.

"We need to know more about rural patients' full cancer journey and what exactly is happening, or not happening, after their core treatment that could be contributing to this gap."