There has been a sharp and concerning rise in prostate cancer rates in men under 50 in Australia, with the incident rate more than doubling over the past two decades, and the death rate up 200% since 2014.
According to analysis of Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data, there has been a 500% increase in rates of men aged 30-39 being diagnosed, while the rate among men aged 40–49 has surged from 4.9 cases per 100,000 in 2000 to 12.5 cases in 2025 – an increase of more than 150%.
Other cancers for men in the same age brackets have also increased, but only by 6.4% for colorectal cancer, 4.8% for kidney cancer, and 1.2% for testicular cancer.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) said on Thursday the latest AIHW data confirmed a “troubling trend of earlier onset”, and a nationwide campaign promoting screening and early detection was needed.
“More men in their 40s and early 50s are being diagnosed, and many of them develop the disease without any obvious warnings,” said Anne Savage, Chief Executive Officer of PCFA.
“This is a call to arms for early detection, particularly for the high number of young Australian men who may face double the risk of a diagnosis because of their family history.
“Many of these young men are completely unaware that their lives may be in danger.”
PCFA’s National Chairman, Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Callister AM, said he was calling for an Australia-wide campaign towards “zero deaths”.
“Early action saves lives and can stop the tragic toll of deaths that sees this disease claim the lives of nearly 4,000 Australian men every year,” he said.
“A nationwide campaign to promote early detection is urgently needed.”
Will McDonald, who was diagnosed at just 42 years of age, joined other young survivors and their families at Parliament House on Thursday for the PCFA’s annual Big Aussie Barbie.
“Prostate cancer is not an old man’s disease. Men in their 30s, 40s and early 50s are now being diagnosed at alarming rates. More younger men are being diagnosed with advanced, aggressive prostate cancer because testing happens too late,” he said.
“PCFA is fighting to change testing policy so younger men aren’t dismissed or told they’re ‘too young’ for a PSA blood test. If you’re young, please go and get checked today – it could save your life.”
Header image: Will McDonald at Parliament House (9News).
