Prostate Cancer Statistics

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 50 years old. It is regarded as the second leading cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer. Each year, about 620,000 new cases of prostate cancer are registered in the world. In North America, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In the United States alone, approximately 186.000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008; 28.600 men died of the disease. 

According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that 192,280 men were diagnosed with and 27,360 men died of prostate cancer in 2009. Certain age groups, however, seem to be more affected by the disease. From 2002-2006, the median age at diagnosis for cancer of the prostate was 68 years of age. Percentages and ages of people diagnosed with prostate cancer were approximately:  

• 0.0% under age 20;  
• 0.0% between 20 and 34;  
• 0.6% between 35 and 44;  
• 8.7% between 45 and 54;  
• 29.0% between 55 and 64;  
• 35.6% between 65 and 74;  
• 21.4% between 75 and 84;  
• 4.7% 85+ years of age. 

Race may also play a role in the development of the disease. According to American Cancer Society, Black men have the highest rate of prostate cancer incidence:   

• Black - 239.8 per - 100,000 men 
• White - 153.0 per - 100,000 men 
• Hispanic - 133.4 per - 100,000 men 
• Asian/Pacific Islander - 91.1 per 100,000 men 
• American Indian/Alaska Native - 76.1 per 100,000 men. 

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