Researchers are finding better ways to treat prostate cancer, and the outlook for men with prostate cancer keeps improving. Still, it is natural for patients and their families to be concerned about what the future holds. Sometimes people use statistics to try to figure out the chances of being cured. It is important to remember, however, that statistics are averages based on large numbers of patients. They cannot be used to predict what will happen to a particular patient because no two patients are alike; treatments and responses vary greatly. The doctor who takes care of the patient is in the best position to discuss the patient's prognosis (chance of recovery or control of the disease).

When doctors talk about surviving cancer, they may use the term remission rather than cure. Even though many prostate cancer patients recover completely, doctors use this term because the disease can recur, or reappear after treatment.

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