Life Expectancy with Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

PCRI’s Executive Director, Mark Scholz, MD, emphasizes that men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer generally have strong reasons to be optimistic about their life expectancy. He goes on to explain why this means that men need to consider quality of life when deciding between treatment options (or no treatment at all) since these are decisions that men will be living with for many years.

:04 Many men who are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are curious to know what their life expectancy is going to be and they are usually pessimistic given cancer’s reputation. Prostate cancer, however, is a unique form of cancer and the outlooks are generally quite good. A study by the American Cancer Society found that the 5-year survival rate is 99%, 10-year is 98%, and 15-year is 94%.

:47 Even more reason to be optimistic is that the survival rates from the American Cancer Society’s study were based on outcomes from men who were diagnosed over 15 years ago. Technology has improved (and will continue to improve) so that men diagnosed in 2019 and beyond can expect that the survival rates published 15 years from now (which would include them) will be even better than the ones that are published now.

1:18 Some people may know someone who died young from prostate cancer, and so they may doubt the optimistic outlook that these numbers suggest. There are two situations in which a person would die unusually young from prostate cancer. First, a man may not be screening and so he would not be diagnosed and treated until the disease is at an advanced stage. Second, some men have rare forms of the disease that are especially aggressive and difficult to treat.

2:06 Since survival rates for prostate cancer are generally so good (and keep getting better), men who are newly diagnosed need to carefully consider their treatment options and how they will impact their quality of life since these are decisions that they will live with for many years.

Who we are:

The Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to helping you research your treatment options. We understand that you have many questions, and we can help you find the answers that are specific to your case. All of our resources are designed by a multidisciplinary team of advocates and expert physicians, for patients. We believe that by educating yourself about the disease, you will have more productive interactions with your medical professionals and receive better-individualized care. Feel free to explore our website or call our free helpline at 1 [phone] with any questions that you have. Our Federal Tax ID # is 95-4617875 and qualifies for maximum charitable gift deductions by individual donors.

The information on the Prostate Cancer Research Institute's YouTube channel is provided with the understanding that the Institute is not engaged in rendering medical advice or recommendation. The information provided in these videos should not replace consultations with qualified health care professionals to meet your individual medical needs.

#ProstateCancer #Prostate #MarkScholzMD

[robertjohnson]

This doctor is one of the good ones. He does not push aggressive treatment. He backs up his advice with objective fact. Thank you Dr. Scholz.

[ockertvanzyl]

It is my turn tomorrow so scared I’m 68 years old and very nervous about the prognosis, my prayers to everyone with this problem 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[hollymacdougall]

My dad has metastatic prostrate cancer. Please pray for him ❤️

[ronvance]

Diagnosed in 2009 and am still cancer free! My doctor was proactive to stay on top of it.

[mariajones]

My partner as got this. He starts radiotherapy soon. But has his second CT scan tmrw. Praying all is well. And he beats this. 💝💝

[mardolio]

My husband was diagnosed prostate cancer stage IV and spinal cord compression secondary to metastases T2-T4 last August 2020 and I don't know what to do where staying in hospital for 5 months now. We always think positive Pray for him for healing.

[cathum]

This video gives hope to the prostate cancer community - thanks very much.

[MotorsportTukker]

My granddad died of Prostate cancer back in 1984, he was 56 at the time, would’ve turned 95 yesterday, my dad was only 16 when his dad died. May he rest in peace

[iamric]

My uncle had it and he lived till he was 89. He enjoyed a great life.

[SomaticZXR]

My father is all I have left to look up to, I just want him to be with me as long as he can. He’s such a good person.

[terrycollett]

I’ve had prostate cancer for twelve years, I’m being treated with hormone therapy and I am eighty two years old.I have a few side affects which are a bit of a nuisance but I put up with them.Best of luck to you all.

[elultimo]

I had two treatments of HR Brachytherapy in Dec. of 2020. My highest PSA was 27. One month after treatment, 8.7. Six months after, it was 2.1. (Over 25 years ago, it was 3.3). BTW, the biopsy was the worst part---I wish they put you out for that. No symptoms, but I can tell I'm not 15 anymore. (As I read the comments below, I realize that I'm damned lucky it was caught before it spread. Best wishes, good luck, and prayers to all of you).

[rolfeliason]

This is very encouraging and underlines the importance of focusing not just upon recurrence but also the full range of possible side effects. Ones that could last the remainder of my life. When was first diagnosed my gut reaction was "Get it out, over and done with". Having lost a sibling to lung cancer (she had been radiated for breast cancer) I was initially dead set against the dangers of radiation and wanted surgery without exploring the full range of treatments. What I discovered was my uneducated opinion. I am grateful to Dr. Scholz and PCRI for helping to educate myself through this maze. THANK YOU.

[io]

Thank you PCRI and Dr Scholz, 55-year-old Air Force veteran here, was just told I have "Lower level" Prostate cancer after MRI and targeted Biopsy. Still waiting for the Gleason score. Sure makes me feel better after viewing your help videos! Bless you for what you do to help us.

[sensorydeprivation-fmxv]

Just got to know my dad has metastatic cancer.he never told about it to anyone but my mom and his brother.
I cannot cope with this .please pray for my dad

[eduardofortez]

Its really amazing to hear such a wonderful assurance from a medical expect like you doctor. You really uplift my spirit and well being. May our ALMIGHTY GOD gives you more wisdom

[JMB]

Dr. Wanted to thank you, for sharing knowledge and wisdom. My father was diagnosed 10 years ago and is in XSTANDI and Trelstar, he is 88!!
His PSA now is 3.8

[Kicking_it_with_Kenya]

My dad was just diagnosed an these videos are very helpful thank you 🙏

[gessed]

Thank you doctor. The key here is "grows slowly".

[PendeltonWhiskey]

I just survived prostate cancer. I was treated by the SCCA Proton center in Seattle and it was the best thing I ever did. My father died of prostate cancer and I'm pretty sure his father also died of it, so I was paying attention to my psa count and got the tissue samples taken just as soon as my psa count quickly doubled from 6 to 12.
Prior to treatment my PSA count was 12.35
Three months after my last treatment my PSA count was 0.21
and three months after that my PSA count was 0.1
Naturally I couldn’t be any happier with the results. I have no sexual or bladder issues. It’s a miracle. It’s just an amazing thing and the facility, doctors and staff are awesome.
Good luck