Recent developments in the epidemiology of prostate cancer.

The purpose of this review is to examine the implications of recent trends in prostate cancer incidence and mortality and to consider recent progress of epidemiological research on this disease. The incidence and mortality rates for prostate cancer are changing throughout the world at an accelerating pace. Much of the increase in incidence is related to changes in detection technology, but increases in mortality rates suggest other factors are involved. Recent research has focused on race-related difference, diet and related lifestyle exposures, the aetiologic significance of vasectomy and, patterns of familial aggregation. Continued monitoring of trends in incidence and mortality will be important as prostate cancer becomes a greater public health burden worldwide. Epidemiological research has identified several possible risk factors which may be useful for prostate cancer prevention and targeting high-risk individuals for early detection intervention. Additional research may confirm and refine understanding of prostate cancer aetiology.