Prostate Cancer Diagnoses Rise as Death Rate Decline Slows

Prostate cancer cases are on the rise, especially those diagnosed at an advanced stage, according to a news release from The American Cancer Society which detailed the 2025 Prostate Cancer Statistics, highlighting the latest trends in prostate cancer across the United States. From 2007 to 2014, prostate cancer rates had been decreasing by approximately 6.4% per year. However, between 2014 and 2021, rates began increasing by 3% each year, with advanced-stage cases rising even faster, between 4.6% and 4.8% annually.

At the same time, the rate of decline in prostate cancer deaths has slowed significantly. Mortality had been falling by 3% to 4% per year during the 1990s and 2000s, but over the past decade, that decline has slowed to only 0.6% per year. According to the report, which was published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, these findings highlight a concerning reversal in progress against the disease.

“Our research highlighting the continued increases in prostate cancer incidence and persistent racial disparities underscores the need for redoubled efforts to understand the etiology of prostate cancer and optimize early detection,” said Tyler Kratzer, who holds a Master of Public Health degree, is an associate scientist at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study.

Racial Disparities Remain in Prostate Cancer Outcomes

The American Cancer Society report also underscores the persistence of racial disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality. Black men experience twice the death rate of White men, even though their incidence rate is 67% higher. Native American men also face disproportionate outcomes, with a 12% higher prostate cancer mortality than White men, despite having a 13% lower incidence rate.

“Our report underscores the need to redouble efforts to optimize early diagnosis that minimizes over detection and to also ensure those strategies reach Black and Native American communities in particular,” said Rebecca Siegel, who holds a Master of Public Health degree, senior scientific director at The American Cancer Society and senior author of the report.

Per The American Cancer Society screening guidelines, all men should begin discussing the potential benefits and risks of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing with their healthcare provider at age 50. For Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, this conversation should begin at age 45, according to the release.

Early Detection and Equal Access Are Key in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men in the U.S., accounting for approximately 30% of male cancers in 2025, and is the second leading cause of cancer death behind lung cancer. This year, The American Cancer Society projects approximately 313,780 new prostate cancer cases and 35,770 deaths.

Researchers found that late-stage, or distant-stage, prostate cancer is increasing across all age groups, including by approximately 3% annually in men under 55 and by 6% in those 55 and older. The five-year relative survival rate for distant-stage disease is 38% compared with nearly 100% for localized cancers.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, The American Cancer Society's advocacy affiliate, supports the Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men (PSA Screening for HIM) Act. This legislation would eliminate out-of-pocket costs such as copayments and deductibles for high-risk men seeking prostate cancer screening.

“Out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays can be a barrier to accessing early detection,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “No one should be at a disadvantage against cancer. The PSA Screening for HIM Act will help remove a major obstacle that can prevent those at high risk from getting the screening tests they need to find prostate cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage.”

Siegel emphasized, “All men should have the same opportunity to survive this common cancer.”

References

1. “New ACS Prostate Cancer Statistics Report: Late-Stage Incidence Rates Continue to Increase Rapidly as Mortality Declines Slow,” by the American Cancer Society. Sept. 2, 2025. https://pressroom.cancer.org/2025-Prostate-Cancer-Report 
2. “Prostate cancer statistics, 2025,” by Tyler B. Kratzer MPH, et al. Sept. 2, 2025. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

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