What can geography tell us about prostate cancer?

One of the most striking characteristics of prostate cancer is the degree of geographic variation in its patterns of occurrence and progression; this variation is apparent at local, national, and international levels. Although geographic theory, methods, and data are increasingly utilized for public health research, epidemiologic research in prostate cancer etiology and progression has not taken full advantage of the spatial sciences as partner disciplines. This article reviews the known factors influencing the biology and epidemiology of prostate cancer and some of the ways in which findings to date have benefited from geography. A model is presented for geographically integrated research in prostate cancer, with discussion of how spatially referenced data and methods could enhance approaches to answering remaining questions in prostate cancer.