A global review and perspective on prostate cancer survival: findings from survival studies of cancer registration data

Abstract

Background

To better understand global status, temporal trends, and geographic disparities of prostate cancer survival, we systematically collected published survival studies on prostate cancer from cancer registries worldwide.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SinoMed, CNKI and SEER for survival studies from cancer registries up to April 30, 2025. We synthesized data on observed, relative and net survival since the 1990s, along with age-standardized survival, and further stratified based on age at diagnosis and stage.

Results

The overall survival was favorable and exhibited a continuous improving trend. In most countries and regions, the 5-year relative survival rate exceeded 70%. However, substantial geographic disparities were observed. The prognosis was better in developed countries in Europe and America than that in less developed countries in Asia and Africa. Since 2000, the age-standardized 5-year relative survival was the highest in the United States at 98.5% (2007–2010), while it was the lowest in Punjab of India at 30.3% (2013–2016). The prognosis was poorest for patients aged ≥ 75, or for those diagnosed with distant or stage IV.

Conclusions

Although the survival has been improving over the past three decades, disparities between developed and less developed countries still persist. The extent of the popularization of prostate screening programs, the age or stage at diagnosis, and the sophistication of healthcare systems are likely to be significant contributing factors to these differences. Our results can provide fundamental statistics for formulating and refining relevant policies.