2005 Georgia Data Summary: 
PROSTATE CANCER 
 
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Georgia men. 
 
PROSTATE CANCER 
 Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Georgia males. 
 Over 6,100 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2005. 
 Prostate cancer accounts for 29% of all new cancer cases among males. 
 The prostate cancer incidence rate among black males is 76% higher than among white males in Georgia. 
 One in six American males will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. 
Prostate Cancer Incidence Rates, by Health District, Georgia, 1999-2002 
Rate significantly higher than the state No significant difference from the state Rate significantly lower than the state 
 The Northwest (1-1), North Georgia (1-2) North (2), South Central (5-1), East Central (6), Coastal (9-1), Southeast (9-2), and Northeast (10) Health Districts have significantly lower prostate cancer incidence rates than the state average. 
 The Fulton (3-2), DeKalb (3-5), North Central (5-2), and Southwest (8-2) Health Districts have significantly higher prostate cancer incidence rates than the state average. 
 
Age-adjusted Prostate Cancer Incidence Rate, Georgia (1999-2002) and United States (1998-2002) 
 
300 
 
261 
 
250 
 
243 
 
200 
 
150 
 
100 
 
50 
 
0 Black Males 
 
148 155 White Males 
 
Georgia United States 
 
RISK FACTORS 
 Increasing age (about 90% of cases are diagnosed in males over age 55) 
 Black 
 Family history 
 Obesity 
PREVENTION 
There is no known way to prevent prostate cancer. Studies are underway to determine if early detection of prostate cancer in large groups of men will lower the prostate cancer death rate. Until that information is available, whether or not a man should undergo prostate screening is a decision that should be made after discussing the risks and the benefits with the physician. 
 
Data source: Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry (1999-2002) Date updated: December 2005 Publication number: DPH05.122H Visit http://www.health.state.ga.us/programs/gccr/index.asp for more information about cancer in Georgia. 
 
Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health  2 Peachtree Street, NW  Atlanta, GA 30303  (404) 657-3103  gdphinfo@dhr.state.ga.us  http://health.state.ga.us