This cause is cancer of the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. Abnormal growths in the prostate leading to death are all included here.

See also Map 7 All cancer deaths.

There is only slight geographical variation in death rates from prostate cancer. The southern half of Britain tends to have higher rates and the northern half lower. Men of Black ethnicities are more likely to develop prostate cancer than are White men, while Asian men are less likely to do so.

Prostate cancer results from the abnormal growth of cells within the prostate. It is a slow-growing cancer and may remain undiagnosed for a long period of time; many men die with prostate cancer rather than from it. Often this form of cancer does not cause any symptoms or problems, particularly in the early stages, but in some cases it does grow quickly and move to other parts of the body.

There are various treatments available for prostate cancer. Active monitoring involves regular check-ups but no actual treatment until the cancer is found to be growing. Treatment options for more advanced disease include surgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy (a form of radiotherapy where a radioactive source, such as a small seed, is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment) and hormone therapy.

Black activist Stokely Carmichael, comedian Bob Monkhouse and musician Frank Zappa died of prostate cancer.