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 gradually increasing for decades in the United States, with an accelerated increase in incidence noted in the past several years. This study explores in detail the occurrence of prostate cancer in southeast Michigan from 1973 through 1991. Methods: Data from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program are analyzed with emphasis on time trends by race, age, stage, and treatment. Results: Population-based rates for prostate cancer increased by 70% between 1988 and 1991. Increases are most pronounced for early stage disease and among whites compared with blacks. Corresponding increases in treatment with radical prostatectomy are also observed. Conclusion: Increased incidence of prostate cancer is likely a result of widespread use of prostate-specific antigen. (Arch Intern Med. 1994;154:1211-1216)