The cancer is relatively rare in most areas of North America and Europe, but is about 50 times more common in certain African and east Asian countries. The impact of these cancer-causing chemicals was much greater in the past, since Thorotrast has not been used for decades and exposure of workers to vinyl chloride is now strictly regulated. It is estimated that in 1999, about 179,300 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, exceeded only by lung cancer. About 37,000 men in the U.S. will die of this disease during 1999, accounting for about 13 percent of male cancer-related death.
Environmental causes have yet to be determined.
The American cancer Society estimates that in 1999, about 7,400 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. An estimated 300 men will die of testicular cancer in 1999. It may be that exposure to certain chemicals contributes to development of the disease. Studies have not yet identified any specific chemicals as being responsible. Osteosarcoma represents 5 percent of childhood cancers, with teen-agers being the most affected group.