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Prostate Cancer Facts and Statistics
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men, and about one in nine will be diagnosed in his lifetime. The numbers can feel heavy, but here is the part that matters most: when prostate cancer is found early, nearly all men survive it. These are the prostate cancer statistics every man, and the people who love him, should know.
Prostate cancer by the numbers:
- One in nine American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime
- About 3.1 million American men are living with prostate cancer today
- Nearly 100 percent five-year survival rate when prostate cancer is caught early
- Every 17 minutes another American man dies from prostate cancer
How Common Is Prostate Cancer?
The statistics are striking. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men after skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death among men. About one in nine men will be diagnosed during his lifetime. Nearly 3.1 million American men are living with the disease today, roughly the population of a major city.
Every 17 minutes, another American man dies from prostate cancer, which adds up to more than 86 men every day. These numbers are sobering, and they are exactly why early detection matters so much.
Prostate Cancer and Age
All men are at risk of prostate cancer, and that risk rises sharply as men grow older. Most men who are diagnosed are over 65, but the conversation about screening should start earlier, typically in a man’s 40s, and sooner for men at higher risk. The table below shows how prostate cancer risk changes by age.
African American Men Are at Higher Risk
African American men are considered high risk for both developing prostate cancer and dying from it. They are diagnosed more often, and often at more advanced stages, than white men. If this describes you, it is worth starting the screening conversation with your doctor earlier rather than later. Learn more about your risk factors. The table below shows new cases and deaths by race in the United States.
Survival Rates Are High, and Rising
Here is the most important fact on this page: early detection and advances in treatment are saving lives. When prostate cancer is found early, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent. The 10-year relative survival rate is about 98 percent, and the 15-year rate is about 96 percent. Survival rates have climbed steadily since 1975.
The one number that changes everything is stage. For “distant” (advanced) prostate cancer that has spread to bones, organs, or distant lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate drops from nearly 100 percent to about 30 percent. That gap is the whole case for getting tested early.
Free Resources to Share
Download and share these plain-language resources with the men in your life.
Get a Free PSA Test in Nebraska
The statistics are clear: prostate cancer is common, but early detection changes the outcome. A PSA blood test is a simple first step, and the Nebraska Prostate Cancer Alliance offers it free to men 40 and older at Cruisin’ for a Cure and community events across Nebraska. No insurance required. Results stay private. Early detection saves lives.
Keep Learning
Explore related topics: whether you are at risk, the symptoms to watch for, and when you should get tested. If you or someone you love was just diagnosed, start with our resources for the newly diagnosed or read how prostate cancer is diagnosed.