Prostate Cancer Treatment

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In 2008, 21.1% of localized/regional prostate cancer patients aged 40 years and older were given hormonal therapy.

Summary graph for Prostate Cancer Treatment, Click to see detailed view of graph

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Background

Prostate cancer forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). This disease, which usually occurs in older men and grows relatively slowly, is the most common cancer among men (after skin cancer), but can often be treated successfully.

Standard treatment options may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and targeted therapy. These treatments are generally used one at a time, although in some cases they may be combined.

Hormonal therapy is also called androgen deprivation therapy or androgen suppression therapy. Its goal is to reduce levels of male hormones, called androgens, in the body, and to block them from affecting prostate cancer cells. This type of therapy can slow prostate cancer cell growth, which is stimulated by androgens.

The use of hormonal therapy for prostate cancer typically increases with the age of the patient, and it is currently also recommended for men with a high risk of recurrence. It may also be used for men who are not able to have surgery or radiation, and for men who can’t be cured by these treatments because the cancer has already spread beyond the prostate gland. It is increasingly being used before, during, and after local treatment as well.

Measure

Hormonal therapy following the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Healthy People 2030 Target

  • There are no Healthy People 2030 targets for cancer treatment, including prostate cancer treatment.

Healthy People 2030 is a set of goals set forth by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Data Source

SEER Patterns of Care/Quality of Care Studies, National Cancer Institute, 1998-2008.

Trends and Most Recent EstimatesHelp with navigating the graphs and data tables

Hormonal Therapy

Percent of men aged 40 years and older with localized/regional prostate cancer and receiving hormonal therapy by age at diagnosis, 1998-2008
Overview Graph Detailed Trend Graphs Most Recent Estimates (2008)
Percent of patients 95% Confidence Interval
Thumbnail of graph for Percent of men aged 40 years and older with localized/regional prostate cancer and receiving hormonal therapy by age at diagnosis, 1998-2008 click for more details and datapoints Ages 40 and olderClick to see the detailed trend graph for Ages 40 and older 21.1 (17.6 - 24.5)
Ages 40-49Click to see the detailed trend graph for Ages 40-49 7.7 (3.4 - 12.1)
Ages 50-59Click to see the detailed trend graph for Ages 50-59 10.4 (6.9 - 13.9)
Ages 60-69Click to see the detailed trend graph for Ages 60-69 17.7 (10.9 - 24.5)
Ages 70-79Click to see the detailed trend graph for Ages 70-79 24.7 (18.1 - 31.3)
Ages 80 and olderClick to see the detailed trend graph for Ages 80 and older 53.0 (43.1 - 63.0)

Additional Information on Prostate Cancer Treatment

Year Range

1998-2008

Recent Summary Trend Year Range

2002-2008

Summary Tables

Kidney, Lung, Ovarian, Prostate

Recent Summary Trend

Falling

Desired Direction

Rising