Prostate cancer is the second-most diagnosed cancer in American men.  About 80 percent of prostate cancers are diagnosed at a localized stage, which means that the cancer hasn’t spread outside of the prostate. The average age at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis is about 66. 

Compared with other men, African-American men and men with a family history of the disease are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. A man with a father or brother who had prostate cancer is twice as likely to develop the disease.

According to The National Institute on Aging, prostate problems are common after age 50. However, learning more about prostate cancer and prostate-related health issues can help optimize health.

What are the statistics for prostate cancer?

Diagnosis

• About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Risk varies based on age, race/ethnicity and other factors. Prostate cancer risk is higher in Black men.
• About 6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men age 65 or older, with an average age of diagnosis around 67.
• The American Cancer Society estimates about 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States in 2026.
• Prostate cancer diagnoses increased 3% per year from 2014 to 2022. 

Mortality

• Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer. About 1 in 44 men will die of prostate cancer.
• The American Cancer Society estimates about 36,320 deaths from prostate cancer in the United States in 2026.
• The prostate cancer death rate has declined by about half from 1993 to 2022, most likely due to earlier detection and treatment advances.

Source: American Cancer Society