Prostate cancer: Scottish data

Incidence

In Scotland, prostate cancer accounts for 22.6% of all cancers diagnosed in men. The age-standardised incidence rate of prostate cancer has been increasing for many years, with especially steep increases occurring during the 1990s (Chart 1
 Close ). While part of the increasing incidence of prostate cancer may reflect a genuine increase in risk, much of it seems likely to reflect increased detection of latent disease through increasing use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test (Brewster et al, 2000).  Variations in use of PSA testing make it difficult to interpret geographical variations in incidence. The disease is uncommon below the age of 50. Thereafter, incidence increases quite steeply with age.

PHS publication and data: Cancer Incidence in Scotland

Mortality

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in men, after lung cancer.  The age standardised mortality rate from prostate cancer decreased by 8% over the over the 10 years to 2020 (Chart 2
 Close ).

PHS data file: Prostate cancer annual mortality (943KB)

Survival

Survival from prostate cancer is moderately favourable with a 5-year relative survival of 83.1% in patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2017.

PHS publication and data: Cancer Survival in Scotland

Prevalence

Since prostate cancer is relatively common and the prognosis is often favourable, the prevalence of the disease is moderately high, with 5.7% of men aged over 65 living with prostate cancer. A further, unknown percentage is likely to have undiagnosed prostate cancer.

PHS publication and data: Cancer Incidence in Scotland  

Lifetime Risk

Based on current rates of disease, an estimated 1 in 10 men develop prostate cancer during their lifetime.

PHS publication and data: Cancer Incidence in Scotland  

Deprivation

The incidence of prostate cancer is higher among men from areas of less socioeconomic deprivation, but it is not clear whether this is due to genuine differences in risk or simply differences in detection through use of the PSA test. 

PHS publication and data: Cancer Incidence in Scotland  

Standardised rates

Please note all age sex standardised rates listed above are standardised using the 2013 European standard population. For more information, please consult Appendix I of the PHS publication Cancer Incidence in Scotland