06 November 2025
Sharp rise in early onset prostate cancer prompts urgent calls for early detection
New figures have revealed a concerning rise in prostate cancer among men under 50, with the incidence rate more than doubling over the past two decades, while the rate of deaths in men under 50 has increased 200 per cent since 2014.
The data has renewed calls for screening and early detection, with advocates including the Hon. Wayne Swan and award-winning journalist Mike Munro standing shoulder to shoulder at Federal Parliament to raise awareness today.
According to analysis of Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data, the rate of prostate cancer 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 per cent.
While prostate cancer is often mistakenly perceived as being a disease prevalent only in older men, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) says the latest AIHW data confirms a troubling trend of earlier onset.
“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.”
By comparison, other cancers for men in the same age bracket have seen far smaller increases, including colorectal cancer (up 6.4), kidney cancer (up 4.8), and testicular cancer (up 1.2).
In 2025, an estimated 458 Australian men under 49 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, a figure expected to grow in the years ahead as more younger men undergo testing and awareness improves.
The data also reveals a 500 per cent increase in rates of men aged 30-39 being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
PCFA’s National Chairman, Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Callister AM, called for joint action 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.
“A nationwide campaign to promote early detection is urgently needed.”
Young survivors including Will McDonald, Tim Weale and Ryan Murphy, all diagnosed in their 30s and 40s, will join Wayne Swan and Mike Munro today at Federal Parliament House for PCFA’s annual Big Aussie Barbie today, along with their families, to raise awareness of early-onset prostate cancer.
For more information about Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia visit www.prostate.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.
