Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with more than 52,000 men diagnosed each year on average.

Cancer Research UK explained the survival rates for each stage of prostate cancer, but stressed that “survival depends on many factors”.

They added that: “Survival for prostate cancer is generally good, particularly if you are diagnosed early.”

What is the survival rate for prostate cancer?

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, almost everybody diagnosed with Stage 1 prostate cancer will survive for five or more years following their diagnosis.

The NHS defines stage 1 cancer as a “small” cancer that has yet to spread anywhere else.

While the NHS defines stage 2 cancer as a “larger” cancer that hasn’t spread anywhere else, but has grown.

The figures from the ONS reveal that almost 100 per cent of people diagnosed with Stage 2 prostate cancer will also survive for five or more years following their diagnosis.

ONS data shows that the number falls to around 95 per cent of men surviving for five or more years following diagnosis when diagnosed with Stage 3 prostate cancer.

Stage 3 cancers are “larger and may have spread to the surrounding tissues and/or the lymph nodes” the NHS explains.

Stage 4 cancer is the most severe form of cancer the NHS explains, it is a cancer which has spread from where it started to at least one other organ, and is also known as “secondary” or “metastatic” cancer.

Survival rates for those diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer fall to 50 per cent of men surviving for five or more years following diagnosis.

Cancer Research UK explained: “Your outlook depends on the stage of the cancer when it was diagnosed. This means how big it is and whether it has spread.

“The type of prostate cancer and grade of the cancer also affects your survival. Grade means how abnormal the cells look under the microscope. The most common system used to grade prostate cancer is the Gleason score. Men with a higher Gleason score have a poorer outlook.

“Your outlook also depends on your PSA level. A high PSA level may mean your cancer grows more quickly.

“Your general health and fitness also affect survival. The fitter you are, the better you are able to cope with your cancer and treatment.”