TRENDS IN PROSTATE CARCINOMA INCIDENCE IN CONNECTICUT (1988-1994) BY AGE AND RACE

BACKGROUND. Large increases in prostate carcinoma incidence rates from 1988 to 1992, followed by sharp declines, in several U.S. cancer regi stries have been attributed to the impact of screening. Trends may var y by age, racial and/or ethnic group, and geography. METHODS. Trends i n prostate carcinoma incidence rates between 1988 and 1994 were examin ed by age group and race (African American and white), using data from the population-based Connecticut Tumor Registry. RESULTS. Incidence r ates for all stages combined rose from 1988 to 1992 and then declined for men age 65-74, 75-84, and 85+ years; however, as of 1994, no decli ne was evident for those age 45-54 and 55-64 years. Distant stage rate s declined after 1991 for men age 65-74 and older, but not for younger age groups (in which increases in rates had occurred for all tumor gr ades among locoregional stage cancers). Trends in age-standardized rat es were similar for African Americans and whites in Connecticut, but l arger increases in Utah suggested regional differences in screening ra tes. CONCLUSIONS. Temporal trends in prostate carcinoma incidence in e lderly men in Connecticut were consistent with the impact of screening , but the explanation for trends in younger men was less clear, indica ting the need for continued monitoring. (C) 1997 American Cancer Socie ty.