Prostate cancer is a frequent affliction for men, making it a concern that requires careful attention. However, it’s noteworthy that this type of cancer often does not result in fatalities. But under certain circumstances, it can indeed pose a deadly threat, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Prostate cancer arises in the prostate, a small gland that generates seminal fluid in men. It ranks as the second most prevalent cancer in males, following skin cancer. In most instances, prostate cancer grows gradually and may not cause severe harm. However, there are types of prostate cancer that are aggressive and can spread rapidly.
When detected early, and if localized to the prostate, the prognosis for prostate cancer is quite favorable. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), The ACS estimates nearly 300,000 men will be diagnosed with this type of cancer in 2024. However, only around 35,250 are projected to succumb to the illness. This data indicates a five-year survival rate exceeding 99% when prostate cancer is detected in its early stages, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
The death rate for prostate cancer saw a significant drop between 1993 and 2013, largely due to advancements in screening methods and the emergence of improved treatments. These developments have allowed more cases to be diagnosed at early stages, thus increasing survival rates. However, recent years have seen these numbers stabilize, hinting at an increase in late-stage diagnoses.
The therapeutic approach for prostate cancer can vary based on the specifics of the diagnosis. Treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or targeted drug therapy. For many patients, these treatments prove successful in combating the disease.
While prostate cancer is not typically a death sentence, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of the disease turning fatal. These include the age of diagnosis (the average being 67 years), obesity, family history of cancer, and certain lifestyle factors like high blood pressure, lack of exercise, and greater height. Furthermore, African American men and Caribbean men of African descent are also at a higher risk for the disease, according to the NIH.
The key factor that can make prostate cancer deadly is metastasis, i.e., when the cancer cells spread to other parts of the body. Common sites for prostate cancer metastasis include the bones, lungs, lymph nodes, liver, or brain.
A 2021 study revealed that approximately one in six deaths among individuals living with prostate cancer was not due to the cancer itself. People with cancer are often more susceptible to other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), stroke, or aneurysm, which can also contribute to mortality rates.
In the United States, African American men have twice the probability of dying from prostate cancer compared to other groups. However, the CDC suggests that this statistic might be more reflective of health inequities rather than an inherent predisposition. A study from 2020 suggested that if health care access were equal, the mortality rate might actually be slightly lower for African American men.
The NIH also highlights the role of diet in prostate cancer, stating that a diet high in saturated fat and milk products might increase the risk of prostate cancer and its recurrence after diagnosis.
Currently, there is no standard test for prostate cancer screening. Doctors may draw blood for a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test or perform a rectal exam. However, both of these screening methods require follow-ups for a definitive diagnosis. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men aged 55 to 69 make an individual decision about undergoing screening after discussing with their doctors. Men above 70 years are generally not advised to undergo routine screening.
