Prostate Cancer Awareness Month provides a critical opportunity to shine a light on this highly prevalent disease, its profound impact, and the advancements being made to improve the lives of prostate cancer patients.
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men in the United States. The National Cancer Institute estimates more than 288,300 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with the disease in 2023, while 34,700 men are expected to die of prostate cancer in the U.S. this year.
Rare before age 40, prostate cancer’s mean age at diagnosis is 66. Those at highest risk of developing the disease are African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry, and men with a strong family history of prostate cancer – especially multiple first-degree male relatives diagnosed at a young age.
The five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer (detected before it can spread to other parts of the body) is over 99%. This statistic is precisely why annual checkups and early detection through screenings like the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test remain crucial.
The University of Wisconsin Urology Department recognizes that a multifaceted approach, including advanced research and comprehensive care, is essential to address the complexities of the disease. We are making significant strides in understanding, diagnosing, and treating prostate cancer through a combination of cutting-edge treatments and a commitment to innovative research initiatives. These initiatives span diverse areas such as genetics, imaging technologies, biomarker discovery, and groundbreaking treatment approaches.
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