How serious is prostrate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a serious disease, but the prognosis is generally good if it is detected and treated early. The American Cancer Society estimates that the 5-year survival rate for localized prostate cancer is 99%, while the 5-year survival rate for regional prostate cancer is 98%. The 5-year survival rate for distant prostate cancer is 31%.

The severity of prostate cancer depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer, the Gleason score, and the patient's age and overall health. The Gleason score is a measure of how aggressive the cancer is. A higher Gleason score indicates a more aggressive cancer.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States. In 2021, it is estimated that there will be 248,530 new cases of prostate cancer and 34,130 deaths from the disease.

The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. The majority of cases occur in men over the age of 65. Other risk factors for prostate cancer include a family history of the disease, race (African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men), and obesity.

Prostate cancer is typically treated with surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy. The best treatment option for each patient depends on the stage of the cancer, the Gleason score, and the patient's age and overall health.

Early detection is key to successful treatment of prostate cancer. Men over the age of 50 should talk to their doctor about getting a prostate cancer screening.