Prostate Cancer Life Expectancy Calculator
Estimate prostate cancer survival rates by stage, age, and Gleason score using SEER population statistics. Includes 5-year and 10-year relative survival data.
About the Prostate Cancer Life Expectancy Calculator
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men, but it's also one of the most survivable — localized prostate cancer has a near-100% 5-year relative survival rate. However, prognosis varies significantly by stage, Gleason grade, age, and treatment approach.
This calculator presents SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) population statistics to help patients and families understand survival benchmarks by stage, age group, and treatment. These are statistical averages — always discuss individual prognosis with your oncologist.
Prostate cancer stages and what they mean
Localized (Stage I–II) cancer is confined to the prostate gland and carries ~99% 5-year survival. Regional (Stage III) cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes, with ~96% 5-year survival. Distant/Metastatic (Stage IV) cancer has spread to bones or organs and has a ~30% 5-year survival rate — a significant difference that underscores the importance of early PSA screening and detection.
Gleason score and grade groups explained
The Gleason score (6–10) grades prostate cancer cells by how abnormal they look under a microscope. It's now mapped to Grade Groups 1–5. Grade Group 1 (Gleason 6) is low-risk with very slow growth. Grade Groups 4–5 (Gleason 8–10) are high-risk with aggressive behavior. The Grade Group is one of the primary drivers of treatment decisions alongside stage and PSA level.
Treatment options and their impact on survival
For localized prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy have similar cure rates. Active surveillance is appropriate for low-risk Gleason 6 disease. Hormone therapy (ADT) is typically for advanced disease and is not curative. For metastatic disease, combinations of ADT, chemotherapy (docetaxel), and newer agents (enzalutamide, abiraterone) have significantly improved median survival over the past decade.