The Prostate Cancer Prognosis in Ohio: What it Means and How to Improve It

The incidence rate for prostate cancer in the state of Ohio is greater than the national average – 123.4 cases per every 100,000 men, compared with 118.3 nationally. This does not mean the prostate cancer prognosis for Ohio men is less positive, however. 

In fact, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025 should expect to enjoy cancer-free lives after treatment – if the disease is caught early. That said, a positive prostate cancer prognosis also rests on several other variables, including possible risk factors and your lifestyle.

You could improve your own prostate cancer recovery by getting to know these risks, how the disease progresses, and what behaviors will help slow the cancer. Read on to learn how.

Prostate Cancer Prognoses by Stage

Fortunately, many prostate cancers are slow-growing, and early detection strategies allow many patients to identify and treat these cancers early, thereby improving outcomes. However, an undetected tumor can spread to other parts of the body and become deadlier.

The extent of a tumor’s growth is described in stages: I (localized) through IV (distant). The doctor aligns the prescribed stage with the cancer’s Gleason score, which is an estimation of how aggressive the cancer cells are on a range of 6 (least aggressive) to 10 (most aggressive).

Together, these grade and stage assessments predict one’s prostate cancer prognosis.

Prostate cancer stages and five-year survival rates are:

Stage I: The tumor is limited to the prostate and the prognosis for a five-year survival is better than 99%, according to the American Cancer Society. 

Stage II: The cancer is still in the prostate, but more extensive. The five-year survival rate remains higher than 99%.

Stage III: The cancer has spread to tissues surrounding the prostate, such as the seminal vesicles or surrounding fat and nerve tissue. The five-year survival prognosis is now 95%.

Stage IV: The cancer has advanced to distant areas including bones, lymph nodes, and other organs, making the cancer harder to treat. The five-year survival rate falls to 37%.

Almost all prostate cancer cases – 92% — are diagnosed in the first three stages, contributing to an overall survival rate of 97%. After 10 years, the average prostate cancer prognosis remains high, at 98% survivability, and after 15 years, 95%.

Variables That Influence Your Prostate Cancer Prognosis

Again, these high survival rates reflect early prostate cancer detection. And they are averages, meaning certain factors can alter your prostate cancer prognosis. These include:

If prostate cancer runs in your immediate family. Men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer are twice as likely to get the disease (chances are higher if it’s a brother than a father). The risks climb according to the number of family members diagnosed, particularly if they were diagnosed at a young age.  

If you are African American. African American men are 76% more likely than white men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 120% more likely to die from the disease. African American men are advised to ask about getting screened for prostate cancer as young as ages 40 to 45. 

If you’ve inherited cell abnormalities. Some men inherit gene mutations that put them at greater risk of cancer. These mutations, such as Lynch syndrome, prevent certain genes from repairing damaged DNA, making cells vulnerable. Ask your doctor about genetic testing to detect inherited mutations. Learn more about our genetic testing program here.

Your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) results. The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) found in your body. PSA levels typically rise when cancer is present, and therefore the test can be used to detect prostate cancer before any other symptoms develop. Generally, 4 nanograms of antigen per milliliter of blood or less is considered “normal.” But note: Your normal PSA reading might actually be higher or lower than 4 depending on your lifestyle, age, medication use, and other risk factors.

How old (or young) you are. Prostate cancer survival rates are lowest among men older than 80 and younger than 50. Men younger than 50 are prone because they are less likely to get screened, so the cancer can advance before it is detected. 

How to Boost Your Prostate Cancer Prognosis

A man’s prostate cancer prognosis today is much better than it would have been years ago, thanks to advances in treatment and in prostate cancer awareness. Here is what you can do:

• Eat cell-strengthening foods. Cut back on processed snacks and meals, red meat, and high-fat foods. Replace them with lean meats, vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.
• Steer clear of tobacco smoke. Research shows that smokers have a higher risk of their prostate cancer spreading. If you smoke, stop. If someone is smoking near you, step away.
• Seek tips for staying active. Studies suggest men who get daily activity are more likely to survive prostate cancer, in part by managing their weight.
• Ask about a PSA screening. If you are older than 50 or among a high-risk group for prostate cancer, talk with your doctor about the PSA test. One study indicates PSA screenings have prevented one death in every 11 to 14 men diagnosed with the disease.

Men in Ohio may have a higher-than-average chance of developing prostate cancer, but you also have a better-than-average chance of improving your prostate cancer prognosis through self-care practices. You don’t have to wait for a prognosis – take that first positive step today. 

Haven’t had your PSA test recently? You can request an appointment here.