Prostate Cancer Statistics. The Risk is High for Black Men

By: Laurence Belkoff DO, FACOS

All Americans deserve equal opportunities to pursue their best lives, and that includes being cancer-free. For many Black men, we still have ground to cover.

Black men are 76% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than white men, and 2.2 times more likely to die from it compared to white men. Conversely, Asian American men are 55% less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than white men.

Some important prostate cancer facts:

• About 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. But each man’s risk of prostate cancer varies depending on age, race, and other factors.
• About 6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men age 65 or older. It’s rare in men younger than 40. The average age of men when they are first diagnosed is about 67. But if your risk is high (which it is for Black men), you should begin getting tested at age 40.
• About 300,000 new cases of prostate cancer, and 35,000 deaths from prostate cancer are expected in 2024.
• It’s the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 in 44 men will die of prostate cancer.
• Screenings make a difference. When caught early, the survival rate for all men with prostate cancer is nearly 100%. Ask your doctor if you’re due for a screening, and how often you should be screened.

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 These cancer-prevention tips could help all men, regardless of race:

• Eat healthy.Base your diet on fruits, vegetables, and other foods from plant sources — such as whole grains and beans. Limit processed meats, refined sugars, and fat from animal sources.
• Eliminate harmful habits. Don’t use tobacco, and drink alcohol only in moderation if at all.
• Live strong. Men who exercise regularly have a slightly lower risk of developing prostate cancer, and chances improve with vigorous exercise. Regular exercise also strengthens bones, which is important for men taking hormone treatment for prostate cancer, which can contribute to osteoporosis.
• Know your family history. Men who have a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease, regardless of race. They should get tested at age 40.
• Most important, get screened. All men should be regularly screened with a PSA blood test, combined with a digital rectal exam. Cancerous prostate cells tend to produce more prostate-specific antigens, so men with prostate cancer usually have high PSA levels.

To learn more about prostate cancer, prevention and PSA screening options, visit our web page dedicated to the disease.