Incidence rates for prostate cancer have modestly increased from 1973-1986, rapidly increased from 1987-1992, and declined from 1993-1995. The increase in incidence rates from 1986-1993 are believed to be related to the use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test as a screening tool.

Black men have about a 60 percnet higher incidence rate than white men.

Incidence of distant stage prostate cancer peaked in 1985 and by 1995 declined by 56 percent.

Mortality:

Death rates from prostate cancer had increased over the last 20 years, peaking in 1991 and 1993 for white and black men, respectively. However, the death rates have decreased in recent years. This decline in the absolute number of deaths was first noted in 1995. It is not clear whether screening and early detection are the main factors associated with the decrease in mortality.