Prostate Cancer Statistics

Prostate cancer statistics are actually quite promising, showing a survival rate of almost 98 percent among patients who have undergone advanced therapies. However, each and every patient is different and has unique circumstances that can influence the outcome of his prostate cancer diagnosis. Age is a big factor in prostate cancer, as it becomes increasingly more common in men over the age of 60. In fact, it has been suggested that roughly 80 percent of 80 year-old men have prostate cancer.

The argument is often that a man will die from other causes before prostate cancer claims his life, especially if he has been diagnosed in his late seventies or eighties. However, even men who have been given this diagnosis before the age of 60 have a good shot at a long life. When you think about it, over 230,000 men are diagnosed each year, and of those men, 30,000 will die from prostate cancer. This number is still too high, but with early detection, it can be lowered.

When a man has been diagnosed with stage I or stage II prostate cancer, he can likely lick the disease with the proper treatment. Stage I and II prostate cancer involves the prostate gland only, and not the surrounding tissue. Hormonal therapy can be sufficient enough to stop the growth of cancer and allow a man to live a normal life. If cancer has progressed to stages III and IV, then radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery may be recommended to increase the chances of long-term survival.

Prostate Cancer Statistics--Only a Guideline

Keep in mind that if you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the odds are in your favor that you can beat the disease with the proper treatment. This is especially true if your cancer is confined to the prostate gland only. You can speed your progress by eating a healthy diet that is low in red meats, eggs, and dairy products. Exercise is ideal for burning calories and combating stress. Natural herbal supplements may be helpful, as can a solid support system from family and friends. Statistics only give you a broad generalization, whereas your doctor can give you information that relates to you personally.