Prostate Cancer Statistics in the US 2026 | Key Facts

Prostate Cancer in the US 2026

Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among men in the United States, representing a critical public health challenge as the nation enters 2026. The disease accounts for 30% of all male cancer diagnoses and stands as the second leading cause of cancer death in men, behind only lung cancer. The American Cancer Society projects that 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2025, with 35,770 deaths expected from the disease. These figures reflect not only the substantial burden of prostate cancer but also a concerning reversal in decades-long trends, as incidence rates have shifted from declining 6.4% per year during 2007-2014 to increasing 3.0% annually since 2014, with the most alarming rises concentrated in advanced-stage disease.

The epidemiological landscape of prostate cancer in 2026 reveals troubling patterns that demand urgent attention from healthcare providers, policymakers, and public health officials. Over the past decade, distant-stage disease has surged by 2.6% annually in men younger than 55 years, 6.0% annually in men aged 55-69 years, and 6.2% annually in men aged 70 years and older. This represents a dramatic shift from earlier decades when PSA screening drove early detection and contributed to mortality reductions exceeding 50% from 1993 to 2022. However, mortality decline rates have now decelerated sharply from 3-4% per year during the 1990s and 2000s to just 0.6% per year over the past decade. Perhaps most concerning are the persistent racial and ethnic disparities, with Black men experiencing incidence rates 67% higher than White men and mortality rates twice as high, while American Indian and Alaska Native men face mortality rates 12% higher than White men despite 13% lower incidence. These prostate cancer statistics in 2026 underscore the urgent need for renewed focus on equitable screening, early detection, and access to high-quality treatment for all men.

Key Interesting Facts About Prostate Cancer in the US 2026

Data Sources: American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Statistics 2025, National Cancer Institute SEER Program 2025, CDC National Center for Health Statistics 2025

The facts presented above illustrate the magnitude and complexity of the prostate cancer burden in the US 2026. With 313,780 new cases projected for 2025 and 35,770 deaths expected, prostate cancer impacts hundreds of thousands of American men and their families annually. The lifetime risk of 1 in 8 men (12.8%) developing prostate cancer underscores that this disease will affect millions throughout their lifetimes. The overall 5-year survival rate of 98% demonstrates remarkable progress in treatment outcomes, largely attributable to widespread PSA screening that enables detection at earlier, more treatable stages. However, this high survival rate masks concerning disparities, as 3.5 million men currently living with a history of prostate cancer represent over four times more than any other cancer in men, highlighting the long-term survivorship burden.

The most alarming trend in these prostate cancer statistics for 2026 is the sustained increase in advanced-stage diagnoses across all age groups. Distant-stage disease is rising by 2.6% annually in men under 55, 6.0% annually in men aged 55-69, and 6.2% annually in men aged 70 and older. This represents a fundamental shift from the declining incidence observed between 2007-2014, when rates fell 6.4% per year following changes in screening recommendations. The recent +3.0% annual increase in overall incidence since 2014 primarily reflects these advanced-stage diagnoses rather than early-stage overdetection. Simultaneously, the deceleration in mortality improvements from 3-4% annual declines during the 1990s-2000s to just 0.6% per year in the past decade suggests that progress in reducing deaths from prostate cancer has stalled. The Black men mortality rate of 38.3 per 100,000—more than twice the rate for White men—exemplifies the stark racial inequities that persist in prostate cancer outcomes in 2026.

New Cases and Deaths from Prostate Cancer in the US 2026

Data Source: American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2025, American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Statistics 2025, NCI SEER Program 2025

The 313,780 new prostate cancer cases projected for 2025 represent the contemporary burden of disease in the United States, with the overwhelming majority of diagnoses occurring in older men. Approximately 6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and the disease remains rare in men under 40 years. The median age at diagnosis is approximately 67 years, reflecting the age-dependent nature of prostate cancer risk. However, the distribution of cases across age groups reveals important patterns, with 40% of diagnoses occurring in men aged 65-74 and 30.2% in men aged 75 and older. Notably, 2.7% of cases occur in men under 50, and this younger demographic has experienced concerning increases in advanced-stage disease in recent years.

The mortality projections for 2025 show that 35,770 men are expected to die from prostate cancer, making it the fifth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Death rates increase markedly with age, with 80% of prostate cancer deaths occurring in men aged 70 and older and nearly half (48.1%) in men aged 80 and older. The median age at death is approximately 78-80 years. While the overall mortality rate of 19.2 per 100,000 men reflects substantial progress from peak rates in the early 1990s, the recent deceleration in mortality decline is concerning. The prostate cancer statistics in the US 2026 demonstrate that despite excellent survival rates for early-stage disease, a substantial number of men continue to die from prostate cancer, particularly those diagnosed with advanced or metastatic disease. The rising incidence of distant-stage diagnoses suggests that mortality rates may plateau or even increase in coming years unless screening and early detection efforts are intensified.

Incidence Rates by Race and Ethnicity in the US 2026

Data Source: American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Statistics 2025, North American Association of Central Cancer Registries 2024, National Center for Health Statistics 2025

The racial and ethnic disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality in the US 2026 are among the most pronounced of any cancer type. Black men experience the highest prostate cancer incidence rate of any racial or ethnic group globally, with 191.5 cases per 100,000 men—67% higher than the rate for White men (114.5 per 100,000) and approximately double the rate for Hispanic men (92.9 per 100,000) and American Indian/Alaska Native men (99.1 per 100,000). Asian American and Pacific Islander men have the lowest overall rate at 63.1 per 100,000, though this broad category masks substantial variation, with rates ranging from lowest among Cambodian and Laotian men to over five times higher among Samoan men, whose rates approximate those of White men.

The mortality disparities are even more striking than incidence differences. Black men face a prostate cancer mortality rate of 38.3 per 100,000—more than twice (2.08 times) the rate for White men (18.4 per 100,000). This disparity has narrowed significantly from a peak of 2.5 times higher in 2001, largely due to steeper mortality declines among Black men (2.9% per year) compared to White men (1.9% per year) since 2001. However, mortality declines among White men have slowed dramatically to just 0.2% per year since 2012, while Black men continue to experience 2.08 times higher death rates. American Indian and Alaska Native men experience mortality rates 12% higher than White men (20.6 vs 18.4 per 100,000) despite having 13% lower incidence, suggesting potential barriers to early detection and treatment access. The prostate cancer statistics in the US 2026 demonstrate that these disparities reflect a complex interplay of biological, socioeconomic, healthcare access, and systemic factors that must be addressed through targeted interventions and equitable healthcare delivery.

Stage at Diagnosis and Survival Rates in the US 2026

Survival by Race and Ethnicity 2015-2021:

Data Source: NCI SEER 21 Program 2015-2021, American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Statistics 2025

The stage distribution at diagnosis is the most critical determinant of survival outcomes for prostate cancer in the US 2026. An estimated 83% of men (combining 76% localized and 14% regional) are diagnosed with early-stage disease confined to the prostate or nearby structures, for which the 5-year relative survival rate approaches 100%. This favorable stage distribution is largely attributable to PSA screening, which enables detection of asymptomatic disease before symptoms develop or metastasis occurs. However, 8% of men are diagnosed with distant-stage (metastatic) disease, for which the 5-year survival rate is only 38%—a dramatic contrast to near-certain survival for localized disease.

The overall 5-year relative survival rate of 98% for prostate cancer represents one of the highest survival rates of any malignancy, and the 15-year relative survival rate of 97% demonstrates that most men diagnosed with prostate cancer can expect long-term survival. However, these excellent overall statistics mask important disparities and concerning trends. American Indian and Alaska Native men are most likely to be diagnosed with distant-stage disease (12% compared to 8% among White men), probably reflecting lower screening prevalence. Black men experience slightly higher rates of distant-stage diagnosis (9%) and lower overall 5-year survival (97% vs 99% for White men), with particularly poor outcomes for distant-stage disease (36% 5-year survival compared to 40% for White men). The prostate cancer statistics in the US 2026 reveal that the rising incidence of advanced-stage diagnoses—increasing 2.6% to 6.2% annually depending on age group—threatens to erode these favorable survival statistics in coming years unless early detection efforts are reinvigorated.

Trends in Incidence and Mortality in the US 2026

Data Source: American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Statistics 2025, NCI SEER Program Joinpoint Analysis 2025

The temporal trends in prostate cancer incidence in the US 2026 reflect the profound impact of PSA screening practices on diagnosis patterns. From the late 1980s through 2007, prostate cancer incidence rates increased dramatically—by as much as 5-8% per year at the peak—as PSA screening became widely adopted and asymptomatic cancers were detected. This led to concerns about overdiagnosis and overtreatment of indolent disease. Following the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2012 recommendation against PSA screening (D grade), incidence rates declined sharply at 6.4% per year from 2007 through 2014. However, this trend reversed beginning in 2014, with rates now increasing 3.0% annually through 2021.

Most concerning is that the recent increases are concentrated in advanced-stage diagnoses, rising 4.6% to 4.8% per year—substantially faster than the overall 3.0% increase. Distant-stage disease specifically is increasing across all age groups: 2.6% annually in men under 55, 6.0% annually in men aged 55-69, and 6.2% annually in men aged 70 and older. These patterns suggest that reduced screening following the 2012 USPSTF recommendation led to delayed detection, with more cancers progressing to advanced stages before diagnosis. Meanwhile, prostate cancer mortality rates, which declined dramatically by 3-4% per year during the 1990s and 2000s, have slowed to just 0.6% per year over the past decade, and rates have stabilized entirely among men aged 55-69 years. The prostate cancer statistics in the US 2026 indicate that the pendulum may have swung too far away from screening, and a more balanced approach is urgently needed to reverse the rising tide of advanced-stage diagnoses while avoiding the overdetection of indolent disease that characterized the early PSA screening era.

PSA Screening Prevalence in the US 2026

Screening Trend Over Time:

Data Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2020-2023, National Health Interview Survey 2023, American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Statistics 2025

PSA screening rates have fluctuated dramatically over the past two decades in response to changing guidelines and recommendations. Among men aged 50 and older, 37% report having a PSA test within the past year as of 2023, representing a modest recovery from the low of 31% in 2015 but still well below the peak of 45% in 2005. The 2012 USPSTF D recommendation against routine PSA screening led to substantial reductions in screening rates across all demographic groups. The 2018 update to a C recommendation (shared decision-making for men aged 55-69) has contributed to gradual increases, but rates remain below pre-2012 levels.

Critical disparities exist in screening access and utilization. While 37% of White men report PSA testing within the past year, only 33% of Black men do so—a concerning pattern given that Black men face 67% higher incidence and 108% higher mortality from prostate cancer. Screening rates among Black men have declined more steeply than among White men following the 2012 guideline change, with some data suggesting the racial gap in screening has narrowed not because Black men increased screening but because White men decreased it less. Screening rates also vary substantially by age, income, education, and insurance status. Men aged 65-74 have the highest screening rates at approximately 45% within the past year, while younger men aged 50-64 have rates around 30%. High-income men screen at rates approximately 50% higher than low-income men. The prostate cancer statistics in the US 2026 underscore the need for targeted efforts to increase screening among high-risk populations, particularly Black men and those with limited healthcare access, while ensuring that screening is accompanied by informed decision-making about its benefits and harms.

Geographic Variation in Mortality in the US 2026

Data Source: National Center for Health Statistics State-Level Mortality Data 2019-2023, American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Statistics 2025, CDC Wonder Database 2025

Geographic variation in prostate cancer mortality in the US 2026 reveals substantial state-level disparities that reflect differences in racial composition, healthcare infrastructure, screening access, and socioeconomic factors. Washington DC has the highest mortality rate at 27.5 deaths per 100,000 men, followed by Mississippi at 24.8 per 100,000—both significantly exceeding the national average of 19.2 per 100,000. These elevated rates correlate strongly with the proportion of Black residents in these jurisdictions, as Black men experience mortality rates more than twice those of White men. Several Southern states, including Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, and South Carolina, also rank among the highest for prostate cancer mortality.

In contrast, Hawaii has among the lowest mortality rates at approximately 12.0-13.0 per 100,000, reflecting its high proportion of Asian and Pacific Islander residents, who have lower prostate cancer incidence and mortality than other groups. Utah, Colorado, Vermont, and New Hampshire also have relatively low mortality rates in the 13.5-16.0 per 100,000 range. Regional patterns show that the South generally has higher mortality than other regions, while Mountain and Pacific states tend to have lower rates. These geographic disparities are not solely explained by racial composition—they also reflect differences in screening rates, quality of healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage, and socioeconomic factors. States with higher poverty rates, lower rates of health insurance coverage, more limited healthcare infrastructure, and greater barriers to accessing specialty care tend to have worse prostate cancer outcomes. The prostate cancer statistics in the US 2026 demonstrate that place of residence significantly impacts a man’s likelihood of dying from prostate cancer, highlighting the need for state and regional interventions to reduce these geographic inequities.

Treatment and Management Trends in the US 2026

Data Source: American Urological Association Guidelines 2025, National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines 2025, SEER-Medicare Data 2015-2021

Treatment approaches for prostate cancer in the US 2026 have evolved dramatically over the past decade, driven by growing recognition that many prostate cancers are indolent and do not require immediate intervention. Active surveillance—close monitoring without immediate treatment—has become the recommended management approach for low-risk localized prostate cancer, with 40-50% of men with low-risk disease now opting for this approach compared to less than 10% in the early 2000s. This shift reflects efforts to reduce overtreatment and avoid the potential side effects of definitive therapy, including urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and bowel problems.

For men who require definitive treatment, radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) and radiation therapy remain the primary options, with approximately 25-35% undergoing surgery and 20-25% receiving external beam radiation. Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical techniques have become standard, potentially reducing complications. For advanced and metastatic disease, treatment has been revolutionized by novel hormonal agents (such as abiraterone and enzalutamide), which have shown superior outcomes compared to traditional androgen deprivation therapy alone. Chemotherapy remains important for metastatic castration-resistant disease. Emerging therapies including immunotherapy and PARP inhibitors for men with specific genetic mutations are expanding treatment options. The prostate cancer statistics in the US 2026 reflect a more nuanced, risk-stratified approach to management, with treatment intensity matched to disease risk. However, access to these advances is not uniform, with disparities in treatment quality contributing to poorer outcomes among Black men and those with limited healthcare access.

Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies in the US 2026

Data Source: American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Guidelines 2025, World Cancer Research Fund 2024, National Cancer Institute Risk Factor Review 2025

The risk factors for prostate cancer in the US 2026 encompass both non-modifiable genetic factors and potentially modifiable lifestyle factors. Age remains the strongest predictor, with over 85% of cases occurring in men aged 50 and older. The disease is rare before age 40, and risk increases dramatically with each decade of life, with men over 65 experiencing risk approximately 60 times higher than men under 40. Black race represents the second strongest risk factor, with Black men experiencing 67% higher incidence and more than double the mortality compared to White men. Family history significantly elevates risk, with a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer approximately doubling or tripling a man’s risk. Inherited genetic mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome genes can increase risk 2-8 fold, though these account for less than 10% of cases.

Among modifiable risk factors, obesity has emerged as a critical concern in recent research. While earlier studies showed mixed results on whether obesity increases overall prostate cancer risk, strong evidence now demonstrates that men with BMI ≥30 face 20-50% higher risk of developing high-grade, aggressive disease and 20-30% higher risk of prostate cancer death. Obesity influences prostate cancer through multiple mechanisms including altered hormone levels (lower testosterone, higher estrogen), increased insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), chronic inflammation, and changes in adipokines secreted by fat tissue. Dietary factors also play important roles, with high intake of saturated fats, processed and red meats, and excessive dairy/calcium (over 1,500mg daily) associated with modest risk increases of 20-40%. Conversely, plant-based diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish appear protective. The prostate cancer statistics in the US 2026 underscore that while genetic factors cannot be changed, lifestyle modifications including maintaining healthy weight, consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco offer concrete strategies for risk reduction, particularly for preventing the most aggressive forms of the disease.

Cost and Economic Burden of Prostate Cancer in the US 2026

Data Source: National Cancer Institute Cancer Cost Projections 2025, American Cancer Society Economic Impact Analysis 2025, Medicare Claims Data 2023-2025

The economic burden of prostate cancer in the US 2026 is substantial and growing, with total direct medical costs estimated at $12-15 billion annually. These costs have increased dramatically over the past decade, driven primarily by the introduction of expensive novel hormonal agents and immunotherapies for advanced disease, which can cost $120,000-250,000+ per patient compared to earlier treatment options that cost $20,000-60,000. The cost structure varies dramatically by disease stage and treatment approach, with early-stage localized disease generally manageable through less expensive interventions while metastatic disease requires prolonged use of costly medications.

Screening costs for PSA testing contribute approximately $500 million to $1 billion annually to healthcare expenditures, though this represents a small fraction of total prostate cancer costs and is viewed as cost-effective given the potential to detect disease at curable stages. Active surveillance, while reducing treatment costs by avoiding immediate intervention, still requires ongoing monitoring costs of $3,000-8,000 per year for repeat PSA tests, imaging, and biopsies. Radical prostatectomy costs $25,000-50,000 while radiation therapy ranges from $30,000-100,000 depending on the specific modality used. The introduction of novel hormonal agents like abiraterone and enzalutamide has revolutionized treatment of advanced disease but at extraordinary cost—$120,000-180,000 per year for these medications alone. Indirect costs including lost productivity, caregiver burden, and long-term survivorship care add an additional $6-9 billion to the economic impact. With 3.5 million men currently living with a history of prostate cancer, long-term survivorship costs for managing treatment side effects and monitoring for recurrence represent a growing proportion of total costs. The prostate cancer statistics in the US 2026 demonstrate that while improved treatments have extended survival, the economic burden on patients, families, and the healthcare system continues to escalate, highlighting the need for cost-effective prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies.

Clinical Trials and Research Progress in the US 2026

Data Source: ClinicalTrials.gov Database January 2026, National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Listing 2026, American Society of Clinical Oncology Updates 2025

Research progress in prostate cancer treatment and detection in the US 2026 has accelerated dramatically, with over 1,400 active clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as of January 2026. The most active area of investigation involves novel hormonal therapies, with over 250 trials evaluating next-generation androgen receptor (AR) antagonists and combination approaches that may overcome resistance to current agents like enzalutamide and abiraterone. Immunotherapy represents another major focus, with over 180 trials testing checkpoint inhibitors (such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab), therapeutic vaccines, and CAR-T cell approaches, though results have been more modest than in other cancers due to prostate cancer’s immunologically “cold” microenvironment.

Targeted therapies based on genetic alterations have emerged as a major breakthrough, with PARP inhibitors (olaparib, rucaparib) now FDA-approved for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer harboring BRCA1/2 or other DNA repair gene mutations—affecting approximately 20-30% of advanced prostate cancers. Over 90 trials are evaluating expanded use of these agents and combinations with other therapies. Radiopharmaceuticals represent an exciting new treatment modality, with lutetium-177-PSMA-617 (Pluvicto) approved in 2022 for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive metastatic disease, and 65+ trials evaluating similar approaches. Biomarker development, including liquid biopsies that detect circulating tumor DNA, genetic testing to identify hereditary risk, and imaging advances using PSMA-PET scans, are revolutionizing how prostate cancer is detected and monitored. The prostate cancer statistics in the US 2026 reflect that while progress has been substantial, translation of research advances into widespread clinical practice and equitable access remains an ongoing challenge, particularly for underserved populations who experience worse outcomes despite the availability of improved treatments.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

Email ID:

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email

Email *

SUBSCRIBE