What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a disease in which normal cells in a man’s prostate gland change and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor.

Key Statistics:

The American Cancer Society’s estimates for prostate cancer in the United States for 2024 are:

  • About 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer
  • About 35,250 deaths from prostate cancer

It is the most common non-skin cancer among men and more than 2 million men in the US count themselves as prostate cancer survivors.

There are more than 3 million men in the US living with prostate cancer.

On average, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime. However, there are significant racial disparities. For black men, 1 in 6 will develop prostate cancer and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease. Learn more at Prostate Cancer Foundation.

The good news is that the disease is highly treatable when detected early. Men who are diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer have a 99% 5-year survival rate.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Men with prostate cancer may not experience any symptoms at all so it is very important for men to see their physician regularly and have an annual prostate cancer screening.

If there are any symptoms, the most common ones are: 

  • Difficult urination

  • Inability to urinate

  • Weak urine stream

  • Frequent urination

  • Burning feeling or pain during urination

  • Pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs

Learn more about treatment options