It is difficult to prevent prostate cancer because the causes are not well understood. The incidence of prostate cancer is much higher in black men than white men and increases with age. Over 80 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over age 65. With an estimated 39,200 deaths in 1998 in the U.S., prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men. Prostate cancer mortality rates have also increased over the years.
Black men have more than twice the prostate mortality rate as white men.
The rates increased greatly between 1986 and 1992 for white males and between 1986 and 1993 for black males. This time trend is probably due to the widespread introduction during these years of screening methods which detect prostate cancer earlier. Conclusion Continued research on the causes of prostate cancer is needed since the causes are not well understood. The recommendations regarding screening should be followed in order to detect it early. Viewing and Printing Hints PDF Version Table 44.