A new study reveals that Mississippi has the highest prostate cancer mortality rate in the U.S. The research analyzed prostate cancer mortality data between 2018 and 2022, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The deaths were calculated to identify the top 10 states where men are most likely to die from prostate cancer.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, a part of the male reproductive system located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It occurs when cells in the prostate grow out of control and form a tumor. It can range from slow-growing and localized to aggressive and metastatic. Most of these cancers are adenocarcinomas, meaning they develop from gland cells. Prostate cancer can remain localized within the prostate for a long time, or it can grow and spread to surrounding tissues or other parts of the body.
Prostate cancer is often staged based on how far it has spread, with stages ranging from localized (within the prostate) to advanced (outside the prostate). Early stages of the disease often don’t cause any noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms may include urinary problems, pain, or blood in the urine or semen. Treatment options vary depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, and can include watchful waiting, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
Prostate Cancer in America
In the United States, approximately 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. This translates to a significant number of men facing this diagnosis.
Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, and it is the second-leading cause of cancer death, with 1 in 44 men dying of the disease. However, not every case is fatal, with over 3.5 million men in America who were diagnosed with it at some point in their lives still being alive today. While the overall lifetime risk is significant, certain factors can increase or decrease a man’s risk of developing this disease:
- Age: Prostate cancer is more common in older men, with the majority of cases diagnosed in men over 65.
- Race/Ethnicity: African American men have a higher risk of developing and dying from it compared to men of other races, according to Prostate Cancer UK.
- Family History: Men with a family history (father, brother, grandfather) are at an increased risk.
- Other Factors: Obesity and exposure to certain chemicals may also play a role in increasing risk, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Quick Highlights:
- Mississippi leads the nation with the highest prostate cancer mortality rate of 24.2 per 100,000 men.
- Closely followed by Vermont (second) and Utah (third), with mortality rates of 21.9 and 21.8 per 100,000 men, respectively.
- Hawaii reported 15.5 deaths per 100,000 men, the lowest among all the American States.
Top 10 State Highlights
Mississippi leads the nation with a prostate cancer mortality rate of 24.2 deaths per 100,000 men, roughly 25% above the national average of 19.33. Between 2018 and 2022, the Magnolia State recorded 1,769 deaths from the disease.
Vermont ranks second with a prostate cancer mortality rate of 21.9 per 100,000 men, exceeding the national average by 13.3%. Over the same study period, the Green Mountain State recorded 433 deaths.
Utah comes in third with a prostate cancer mortality rate of 21.8 per 100,000 men, about 13% above the national average. The Beehive State recorded 1,306 deaths during the five years studied.
Ranked fourth, Alaska reported a prostate cancer mortality rate of 21.5 per 100,000 men, which is nearly 11% more than the national average. Over the five-year study period, the Last Frontier State recorded 292 deaths from the disease.
Colorado rounds out the top five with a prostate cancer mortality rate of 21.2 per 100,000 men, 9.6% above the national average of 19.33. The Centennial State reported 2,727 deaths during the study period.
Idaho (6th) has a prostate cancer mortality rate of 21.1 deaths per 100,000 men, followed by Georgia (7th) at 21.0, Wisconsin (8th) at 20.9, Oregon (9th) at 20.7, and Montana (10th) at 20.5.
Methodology
For this study, researchers analyzed the prostate cancer mortality data between 2018 and 2022 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data was calculated to identify the top 10 states with the highest mortality rates from the disease.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson commented:
“The data reveals that Mississippi, Vermont, and Utah reported the highest prostate cancer mortality rates in the U.S. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. Recently, Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, indicating the cancer has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of his body.”
“While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, age, family history, and race can be significant risk factors. Symptoms often develop slowly and may include difficulty urinating, decreased force of urination, and blood in semen. Early detection through regular screening is critical for successful treatment. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and in some cases, active surveillance.”
