The increase in prostate cancer death rates seems to be due greater survival to old age where the disease is more prevalent. Recent cancer trends in the United States. Journal of the National Cancer Institute , vol. 87, pages 175-182. Much of the recent increase in cancer rates can be explained by known factors.
Improved detection appears to account for most of the increase in breast cancer among women.
Recent cancer trends in the United States. Journal of the National Cancer Institute , vol. 87, pages 175-182. National mortality rates for all cancers combined rose less steeply than incidence rates. The increase was driven mostly by continuing increases in lung cancer mortality, while death rates for the majority of cancers were steady or declining.