Prostate Cancer Cases Rising 3% Yearly, Early Detection May Help

• The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates there will be 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer in 2026.
• Prostate cancer cases increased by around 3% per year between 2014 and 2022, with the steepest increase occurring in advanced-stage diagnoses.
• The ACS says the increase in diagnoses is largely due to more men being screened, although many are still not being screened early enough.

The number of prostate cancer cases in the United States is on the rise, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). 

The ACS estimates that there will be 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer in 2026, with 36,320 deaths from the disease. 

The ACS also reported in the Cancer Statistics 2026 report that cases of prostate cancer increased by 3% each year between 2014 and 2022. The steepest increase occurred in advanced-stage diagnoses. 

Additionally, the ACS noted that the increase in diagnoses is largely due to more men being screened for the disease.

“We’re seeing two things happen at once: more men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer, and a growing share of those cases are happening at a more advanced stage,” William Dahut, MD, chief scientific officer at the ACS, said in a statement. “That tells us screening conversations are happening too late for too many men, particularly those at high risk for the disease.”

Prostate cancer screening can help detect the disease at an earlier stage. This September, which is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the ACS is encouraging males to speak with their healthcare professional about their personal risk factors and whether screening is right for them. 

Why does prostate cancer screening matter?

The ACS states that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. However, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from the disease.

In fact, more than 3.5 million men with prostate cancer are still alive today. 

The main benefit of prostate cancer screening is early detection. When prostate cancer is found at an earlier stage, it is generally easier to treat and has a much higher survival rate.

S. Adam Ramin, MD, board certified urologist, urologic oncologist, and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles, CA, told Healthline that, “The benefits of detecting prostate cancer at an earlier, localized stage are profound.” 

He added that when prostate cancer is found early, the result can include:

• More Treatment Options: Early-stage prostate cancer typically offers a broader array of treatment choices, including active surveillance (monitoring the cancer closely), surgery, and various forms of radiation therapy. Some options are minimally invasive and lower the risk of significant side effects.
• Higher Cure Rates: Localized prostate cancer (cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate gland) has a nearly 100% 5-year survival rate. Early detection dramatically increases the likelihood of successful treatment and long-term cure.
• Less Aggressive Treatments: Detecting cancer when it is small and confined often allows for less aggressive treatment protocols. This can mean a better quality of life post-treatment, with a lower impact on a man’s urinary function and sexual health.

What are the current prostate cancer screening guidelines? 

In the United States, prostate cancer screening guidelines rely on individual and shared decision making between an individual and their healthcare professional. 

The ACS recommends that the conversation about prostate cancer screening start at certain ages, depending on an individual’s risk: 

• Age 50: Males with average risk of prostate cancer who are expected to live at least 10 more years
• Age 45: Males who have a high risk of developing prostate cancer
• Age 40: Males at even higher risk of prostate cancer, including those with multiple relatives who have had it

Screening typically starts with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. 

Ramin explained that “The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by prostate gland cells.” 

“While an elevated PSA level doesn’t automatically mean cancer, other conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis can also raise PSA. It is a critical indicator that warrants further investigation. It is a first-alert system, a signal that something might need a closer look,” he said.

If PSA levels are abnormal, your healthcare professional may recommend additional testing, such as a digital rectal exam (DRE), another type of PSA test, imaging such as an MRI, or a prostate biopsy.

“One of the most critical messages that Prostate [Cancer] Awareness Month or celebrities can convey when sharing their cancer diagnoses is the importance of early detection. This knowledge empowers individuals to take control of their health and seek early detection,” said Ramin.