Prostate cancer
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Cancer of the prostate is the most common cancer among men in Norway. Annually, about 5000 people receive this diagnosis.
About prostate cancer
Prostate cancer primarily affects older men, and has increased in line with the number of elderly in the population. Prostate cancer is malignant tumors that originate from glands and ducts of the prostate gland. Prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms at the beginning of the disease phase.
From the first half of the 1990s to the mid-2000s, there has been a sharp increase in detected cases of prostate cancer in all age groups, with the exception of 0–54 years.
Key Figures - Prostate Cancer 2024
New cases
5207
Rates - number of cases per 100,000
166.5
5-year relative survival (2020-2024)
95.9%
Cancer survivors
65,858 people as of 31.12.2024
Deaths (2023)
865 people
Cumulative risk of developing prostate cancer by age 80 (2020-2024)
16.0%
Risk factors
The cause of prostate cancer is not known. It is believed that inheritance plays a role in up to 10 percent of cases, and there is a greater risk of getting the disease if several family members (brother, father, grandfather) have or have had the disease. This is especially true if the relatives have become ill at a relatively young age (before 65–70 years).
Previous cancer is also assumed to increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Furthermore, we know that Western way of life has some significance. Body fat is the single factor that has shown the clearest association with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer. It is unclear what role diet has. It appears that men who eat a lot of red meat, high-fat foods, and little fruits and vegetables have a slightly higher risk of getting prostate cancer. Some studies have suggested that men who consume a lot of calcium through food or supplements may be at an increased risk, while most studies have not found such a connection. Calcium has other important health benefits, and a healthy and varied diet is recommended.
Sex hormones (androgens) are not in themselves carcinogenic, but may be of importance.
- Source: World Cancer Research Fund
Steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting prostate cancer
- Keep a healthy body weight, avoid overweight and obesity
- Be physically active
- Be smoke-free
- Follow rules when handling dangerous substances in the workplace, such as paints, printing inks, metal and machinery, or diesel and traffic pollution
The authorities only recommend those at elevated risk of getting prostate cancer to take a PSA test.
Questions about cancer
The Cancer Registry of Norway is a research institution. Our professionals therefore do not answer questions about diagnosis, assessment, treatment and follow-up from patients or their relatives.
Inquiries about this information should be directed to your general practitioner, treating institution, or the Norwegian Cancer Society's advisory service at phone: +47 21 49 49 21.