Age-specific mortality from carcinoma of the prostate was analyzed by
drawing a line between the value at age 52 years and that at age 87. S
lope of the line was relatively constant for the pooled years 1962-196
6, 1967-1971 and 1972-1976 (maximum variation from the mean of 4.5%).
However, the slope was 17.7% greater for the period 1977-1981 and 29.8
% over the prior mean in 1987-1992. This was explored by two models. M
ortality versus age was well described by a power function, with an in
crease in slope noted in the mid-1970s. An exponential growth model wa
s also utilized and revealed the existence of a 'change point' around
the year 1975. Hence, two models are available for further exploring t
he increase in age-specific mortality from carcinoma of the prostate w
hich occurred in the mid-1970 period.