Urologic Cancer

Prostate Cancer Facts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after lung cancer, prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among American men. Other than skin cancer, it also is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. In fact, it is estimated that more than 230,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone. The good news, however, is that the current survival rate is 97 percent.

Here are other some other significant prostate cancer statistics:

• Prostate cancer represents over 32 percent of all new cancer cases in American men
• About 70 percent of prostate cancer diagnoses are made in men 65 years or older
• Only about 25 percent of prostate cancer cases occur in men under 65
• The average age at diagnosis is 72
• One in six American men has a risk of developing prostate cancer at some time in his life. If a close relative has prostate cancer, his risk more than doubles.
• African American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer
• Asian men have a relatively low rate of prostate cancer compared to other ethnic groups

The good news is that among all racial and ethnic groups, prostate cancer death rates are declining. Perhaps the most encouraging prostate cancer statistic is that more men die with prostate cancer than from prostate cancer. The reason could be twofold: prostate cancer typically affects men older than 65 and, it is often a slowly progressing disease.

To learn more about the UCSF Prostate Cancer Center or to request an appointment, please call (415) 353-7171.

More Information

Clinical Trials
Glossary
Nutrition and Prostate Cancer
Patient's Guide to Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Radiation Therapy FAQ
Radical Prostatectomy
Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 21, 2008

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.