Learn the facts, stats, and the basics of prostate cancer.
PROSTATE CANCER FACT SHEET
More than 3.3 million men are living with prostate cancer in the U.S. 299,010 American men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and 35,250 are expected to die from the disease.
The relative 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer diagnosed in its earliest stages is nearly 100%. The survival rate for advanced disease drops to 34%.
Genetic factors may play a role in a prostate cancer diagnosis. A BRCA gene mutation, most commonly known in breast cancer, has also been linked to prostate cancer and ovarian cancer. Genetic, or hereditary, prostate cancer is thought to make up approximately 10% of all prostate cancer diagnoses. Screening for prostate cancer is quick and easy and is done with a simple blood test, and possibly a physical exam: • A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test measures the amount of PSA in the blood. • A DRE (digital rectal exam) is a physical exam performed by a healthcare provider using a gloved, lubricated finger to feel the prostate for abnormalities.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Every 15 minutes another American man dies from prostate cancer.
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1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. That number increases to 1 in 6 for Black/African American men. Several factors are thought to increase a person’s risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, including age, African ancestry, and family history of cancer. Black/African American men are 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than White men. Black/African American men are 2.1 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than White men. Black men in the U.S. and Caribbean have the highest prostate cancer incidence rates in the world.
If the results of a PSA blood test or a DRE come back abnormal, the healthcare provider may recommend a biopsy. The only way to confirm prostate cancer is with a biopsy.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among U.S. Veterans. 1 in 5 military personnel are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a heart-healthy diet can help reduce the risk of a prostate cancer diagnosis.
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