Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the prostate gland, most commonly in older men. It ranges from slow-growing, localized disease that may never cause symptoms to aggressive forms that spread to bones and other organs. Diagnosis is typically based on elevated PSA levels, digital rectal exams, imaging, and biopsy. Treatment options include active surveillance, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and newer targeted approaches. From a life insurance underwriting standpoint, prostate cancer is one of the most frequently encountered malignancies, with risk assessment depending on stage, Gleason score, grade group, PSA history, treatment type, time since treatment, and evidence of recurrence or metastasis. Many early-stage, successfully treated cases are insurable at standard or even mildly substandard rates after appropriate waiting periods.

In underwriting practice, prostate cancer histories trigger detailed questionnaires and review of pathology reports, operative notes, and follow-up PSA trends. Underwriters stratify risk by whether the disease was organ confined or had extracapsular spread, whether lymph nodes or bones are involved, and how long the applicant has been cancer-free. Advisors working with clients who have prostate cancer should gather as much clinical detail as possible and may benefit from informal or tentative underwriting offers before submitting formal applications. Cases under active surveillance or with very low-risk disease may be treated more favorably than in the past, especially with strong follow-up. Clear explanations about likely ratings, postponement periods, and carrier differences help set realistic expectations for clients and protect advisor credibility.