Prostate cancer incorporates ICD-10 cancer code C61 (Malignant neoplasm of prostate).

New cases

Prostate cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2017 and also the most commonly diagnosed cancer among males. It is estimated to become the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2021, while remaining the most commonly diagnosed cancer among males. 

In 2017, there were 20,672 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in Australia. In 2021, it is estimated that 18,110 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Australia. In 2021, it is estimated that a male has a 1 in 8 (or 13%) risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85.

Figure 1. Estimated cancer incidence in Australia among males, 2021

Notes 

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2021 web report and supplementary data tables
• More information about incidence rates for the most common cancers diagnosed can be found on the NCCI website in the ‘Cancer incidence’ section (https://ncci.canceraustralia.gov.au/diagnosis/cancer-incidence/cancer-incidence) 

In 2017, the age-standardised incidence rate was 147 cases per 100,000 males. In 2021, it is estimated that the age-standardised incidence rate will reduce to 117 cases per 100,000 males. The incidence rate for prostate cancer is expected to increase with age, peaking at age group 70–74 years, before decreasing with age after this.

Figure 2. Age-standardised incidence rates for prostate cancer, 1982 to 2017

Notes 

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2021 web report and supplementary data tables
• More information about incidence rates for prostate cancer over time, by age, sex, Indigenous status, remoteness, and socioeconomic status (SES) can be found on the NCCI website in the ‘Cancer incidence’ section (https://ncci.canceraustralia.gov.au/diagnosis/cancer-incidence/cancer-incidence)

The number of new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed increased from 3,606 (in 1982 to 20,672 in 2017. Over the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate increased from 80 cases per 100,000 males in 1982 to 147 cases per 100,000 in 2017.

Deaths 

In 2019, prostate cancer was the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia and the second most common cause of cancer death among males. It is estimated that it will become the fourth most common cause of cancer death in Australia and remain the second most common cause of male cancer death in 2021.

In 2019, there were 3,582 deaths from prostate cancer in Australia. In 2021, it is estimated that this will decrease to 3,323. In 2021, it is estimated that a male has a 1 in 55 (or 1.8%) risk of dying from prostate cancer by the age of 85.

Figure 3. Estimated cancer mortality in Australia among males, 2021

Notes 

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2021 web report and supplementary data tables
• More information about mortality rates for the most common causes of cancer death can be found on the NCCI website in the ‘Cancer mortality’ section (https://ncci.canceraustralia.gov.au/outcomes/cancer-mortality/cancer-mortality) 

In 2019, the age-standardised mortality rate was 25 deaths per 100,000 males. In 2021, it is estimated that the age-standardised mortality rate will be 22 deaths per 100,000 males. The mortality rate for prostate cancer is expected to increase with age.

Figure 4. Age-standardised mortality rates for prostate cancer, 1982 to 2019

Notes 

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2021 web report and supplementary data tables
• More information about mortality rates for prostate cancer over time, by age, Indigenous status, remoteness, and socioeconomic status (SES) can be found on the NCCI website in the ‘Cancer mortality’ section (https://ncci.canceraustralia.gov.au/outcomes/cancer-mortality/cancer-mortality) 

The number of deaths from prostate cancer increased from 1,370 in 1982 to 3,582 in 2019. Over the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate decreased from 35 deaths per 100,000 males in 1982 to 25 deaths per 100,000 in 2019. 

Survival 

In 2013–2017, individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer had a 96% chance of surviving for five years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population. Between 1988–1992 and 2013–2017, five-year relative survival for prostate cancer improved from 61% to 96%.

Figure 5. 5-year relative survival for prostate cancer, 1988–1992 to 2013–2017, by sex

Notes 

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2021 web report and supplementary data tables
• More information about 5-year relative survival rates for prostate cancer over time, by age, sex, Indigenous status, remoteness, and socioeconomic status (SES) can be found on the NCCI website in the ‘Relative survival rate’ section (https://ncci.canceraustralia.gov.au/outcomes/relative-survival-rate/5-year-relative-survival)

Prevalence 

At the end of 2016, there were 18,953 people living who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer that year, 88,778 people living who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in the previous 5 years (from 2012 to 2016) and 230,048 people living who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in the previous 35 years (from 1982 to 2016).

For more information, see Prostate cancer on the NCCI website 

The National Cancer Control Indicators (NCCI) are a set of indicators across the continuum of cancer care, from Prevention and Screening through to Diagnosis, Treatment, Psychosocial care, Research and Outcomes.  The NCCI website allows users to see visual representations of data on each indicator through interactive charts.