Prostate Cancer Prognosis: How Long Do I Have?

Understanding your prognosis after a prostate cancer diagnosis involves examining several key factors, including the stage of the cancer, the Gleason score, treatment options, and your overall health. Additionally, survival rates offer a statistical perspective on the outcomes of others in similar situations, providing a broader context for what might be expected.

I have prostate cancer. What are my chances?

83% of prostate cancers are found early when they are still only in the prostate or nearby organs. This includes 70% at the local stage and 13% at the regional stage. Early diagnosis is critical because people with local or regional prostate cancer have a nearly 100% survival rate after 5 years.

The 5-year relative survival rate for people with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body is 34%.

These numbers show how important early diagnosis and treatment are for improving the outlook for people with prostate cancer.

Understanding these survival rates can provide reassurance and guidance as you discuss your prognosis and treatment options with your healthcare provider. While statistics can offer a general outlook, it's important to remember that every individual's situation is unique, and survival rates are just one part of the picture.

Survival Rates by Cancer Stage

The stage of prostate cancer is one of the most significant determinants of your prognosis. Here's how survival rates break down by stage:

• Localised (Cancer Confined to the Prostate): The vast majority of prostate cancers are diagnosed at this early stage. With no sign of the cancer spreading outside the prostate, the 5-year relative survival rate is greater than 99%. This high survival rate reflects the effectiveness of current treatment strategies for localised cancer.
• Regional (Cancer Spread to Nearby Structures or Lymph Nodes): This is considered locally advanced. For cancers that have spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes but not to distant parts of the body, the 5-year relative survival rate remains around 99%. Even when prostate cancer has begun to spread, outcomes remain very favourable when it is detected and treated promptly.
• Distant (Cancer Spread to Other Parts of the Body): Prostate cancer that has metastasised to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or bones has a more guarded prognosis, with a 5-year relative survival rate of 34%. While this number is significantly lower, advances in treatment are continually improving outcomes for men with advanced prostate cancer.