Prostate Cancer Research Program, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs

Vision – Conquer prostate cancer

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Prostate Cancer Research Program Strategic Plan Cover Image

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Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in men and is the second most common cause of male death from cancer. In 2024, approximately 299,010 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and an estimated 35,250 will die from it¹. Prostate cancer is a real threat to U.S. Service members, as 80% of the active duty population are men. According to the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR), 8,973 new cancers were diagnosed among active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces between 2005 and 2014, and of these, 1,046 (11.7%) were prostate cancer diagnoses². Prostate cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality rates also vary markedly by race and ethnicity, with African American (AA) men experiencing the highest rates in the U.S.

Since 1997, the Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP) has been dedicated to supporting research focused on eradicating prostate cancer, and specifically seeks to promote:

Highly innovative, groundbreaking research
High-impact research with near-term clinical relevance
The next generation of prostate cancer investigators through mentored research
Resources that will facilitate translational research

The PCRP has developed a strategic plan that outlines the programâ€™s approach for addressing critical gaps in prostate cancer research and patient care. Currently, the PCRP seeks to address the following strategic goals, called Overarching Challenges:

Improve quality of life to enhance outcomes and overall health and wellness for those impacted by prostate cancer
Develop new treatments or improve upon existing therapies to improve outcomes for men with lethal prostate cancer
Advance health equity and reduce disparities in prostate cancer
Define the biology of prostate cancer progression to lethal prostate cancer to reduce death

¹American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html)
²Lee T, Williams VF, Clark LL. 2016. Incident diagnoses of cancers in the active component and cancer-related deaths in the active and reserve components, U.S. Armed Forces, 2005-2014. MSMR. July 23(7):23-31.

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