New research findings on prostate cancer in Germany

We’ve published a new report, based on the results of the German Prostate Cancer Outcome study. This study is part of the comprehensive TrueNTH Global Registry, a unique, worldwide initiative established by Movember to improve prostate cancer care. In the past nine years, we’ve invested more than 20 million Australian dollars into this initiative worldwide, including €991,000 in Germany.

Movember has two central goals: to reduce the number of men dying of prostate cancer, and to improve quality of life after diagnosis. In 2016, we laid the foundations for the first international prostate cancer registry, which combines collection and analysis of clinical data with patient reported outcomes.Funding from the Movember community was crucial for both establishing the TrueNTH Global Registry and the German Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study and their insights into the care and outcomes for men living with prostate cancer.

Three central findings from the German Prostate Outcome Study Report:

The evaluation highlighted three crucial findings on the care of men with prostate cancer.

1. Robotic procedures are increasingly dominating treatment

More than 80% of the men included in the report underwent surgery. The proportion of robot-assisted procedures rose significantly – from around 50-65% (2016-2017) to 74% in 2024. At the same time, the proportion of open surgeries sank to 11%. Younger men in particular underwent robotic procedures more frequently.

2. Operations influence sexual function and urinary continence

Around 75% of men reported a significant reduction in sexual function in the first year after their operation – particularly younger patients. Only 15% of those who had sufficient erections prior to the procedure still had them a year later.

A similar picture emerges regarding urinary continence: 62% had limited bladder control after 12 months. Over 40% of men who were continent before the operation required daily pads one year later, with older patients being particularly affected.

3. Patient-reported outcomes are essential for high quality care

The systematic collection of patient-reported outcomes highlights the extent to which prostate cancer treatments affect men’s everyday lives. They highlight a key message: good care is not measured solely by the stage of the tumour, but by how a man can live after treatment.

Sarah Weller, Global Director of Prostate Cancer at Movember, said:

“Insights from this data set have driven meaningful research and real improvements in how prostate cancer care is delivered for men across Germany. We’re grateful to the German Cancer Society, BPS, OnkoZert, ClarData and the 162 participating centres who embraced the vision we set in motion nine years ago and who will continue to carry this work forward. Our investment in this project was made possible by Movember fundraisers and donors across the nation. We hope they’re as proud as we are to see their funds changing the face of men’s health in Germany.”

A project that sets new standards

The initiative combines clinical data with real patient experiences – an approach that has now also inspired research in breast cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer medicine. It has resulted in numerous scientific publications: from the validation of the German version of EPIC-26 (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite) to studies on psychological support and research on incontinence and functional progression.

The new German report powerfully demonstrates the far-reaching significance of the initiative, and how important it is to actively involve patients. It highlights how much prostate cancer can change a man’s life, and paves the way for care that focuses holistically on the individual.