Much of the increased incidence, therefore, has been related to the identification through widespread screening of a large number of prevalent, but previously undetected, cases in the population. The gradual decline in the mortality rate seen in the past five years may be related, in part, to the remarkable sensitivity of PSA in detecting prostate cancer earlier, when it can be controlled with surgery or irradiation therapy. In recent years, real progress has begun to be made against human cancer. The mortality rate for all cancers peaked early in this decade and has begun slowly to decline. But with over 39,000 deaths expected from prostate cancer alone this year much remains to be done.
Prostate cancer presents some unique challenges.
Cells that have the appearance of prostate cancer can be found in the prostate gland of nearly half of all men over the age of 50. Yet the lifetime risk of a man being diagnosed with clinically apparent prostate cancer is only 11 percent and the lifetime risk of dying of prostate cancer is only 3.6 percent. Thus, some 3 cancers develop for every one that will prove lethal. The growth of scientific knowledge presents our nation with a unique opportunity to advance the attack on prostate cancer and to accelerate the pace of progress against this disease. Taking advantage of this opportunity, however, will require a substantial commitment of people and resources dedicated to understanding and eventually eliminating prostate cancer.