INCREASING INCIDENCE OF CANCER OF THE PROSTATE - THE EXPERIENCE OF BLACK-AND-WHITE MEN IN THE DETROIT METROPOLITAN-AREA

Background: Prostate cancer mortality and incidence rates have been gr adually increasing for decades in the United States, with an accelerat ed increase in incidence noted in the past several years. This study e xplores in detail the occurrence of prostate cancer in southeast Michi gan from 1973 through 1991. Methods: Data from the National Cancer Ins titute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program are analyze d with emphasis on time trends by race, age, stage, and treatment. Res ults: Population-based rates for prostate cancer increased by 70% betw een 1988 and 1991. Increases are most pronounced for early stage disea se and among whites compared with blacks. Corresponding increases in t reatment with radical prostatectomy are also observed. Conclusion: Inc reased incidence of prostate cancer is likely a result of widespread u se of prostate-specific antigen.