Fewer Men Estimated to Die From Prostate Cancer

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Advances in the treatment of prostate cancer have lead to a steady decline in deaths from the disease. Recent statistics show that an estimated 26,120 men will die of prostate cancer in 2016, a 5 percent drop from the 2015 estimate. Based on these facts, a man will lose his prostate cancer battle every 20 minutes.

"Advances in treatment have saved lives, increased survival rates among all stages of disease, and given thousands of families hope. ZERO is proud of our critical work with our advocates and partners to support research for new treatments, and we applaud the great work done by researchers, doctors, caretakers, and patients to save lives and stop pain and suffering," said ZERO CEO Jamie Bearse. "But more needs to be done to help men and families. Detection rates have fallen significantly in recent years due to the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendation against PSA testing, and this decision may lead to an increasing number of patients being diagnosed in the late stages of the disease, severely limiting their options for treatment."

According to the American Cancer Society's Cancer Facts & Figures 2016:

• An estimated 180,890 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016, an 18 percent decline from 2015 estimates.
• The ten states with the highest incidence rates include DC, Louisiana, New Jersey, Utah, Delaware, New York, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Michigan.
• The highest mortality rates can be found in DC, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Idaho, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Montana, and Utah.
• The overall five-year survival rate still holds steady at nearly 100 percent.
• For men diagnosed at an advanced stage of disease, the five-year survival rate is 28 percent.

ZERO urges continued focus on advancing diagnostic tools and technology to find prostate cancer early and distinguish aggressive disease from slow growing disease. While the decrease in the number of deaths from the disease is a promising statistic, all men and their families need to know the risks of prostate cancer and be fully informed about early detection, testing, and treatment options. 

About ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer
ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer is the leading national nonprofit organization with the mission to end prostate cancer. ZERO advances research, encourages action, and provides education and support to men and their families through our patient-centric programs. ZERO's premier activities include the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk, America's largest men's health event series. We are a 501c3 philanthropic organization recognized with four stars out of four stars by Charity Navigator, accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and 97 cents of every dollar donated goes to research and programs. For more information, visit www.zerocancer.org.

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