Prostate cancer epidemiology.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to provide an evidence-based analysis of the epidemiological situation of prostate cancer today and its future perspectives.

METHOD

A literature review on Medline has been made of the most relevant papers related to the epidemiology of prostate cancer and their etiological factors. We selected for review those manuscripts with the highest level of evidence.

RESULTS

Prostate cancer is the second most common neoplasia in men worldwide. The increasing trend in the incidente counteracted by an overall decrease in mortality from this disease have made prostate cancer an important health problem because of its high prevalence. There are significant geographic differences in terms of incidence and mortality. Age, ethnicity and family history are risk factors demonstrated but there are other factors related to the environment that play an important role in the biology of prostate cancer and tumor genesis.

CONCLUSIONS

In the last 20 years there has been a progressive increase in the global incidence of this disease probably secondary to a progressive aging population, the improvement in diagnostic techniques and a higher intensity screening of prostate cancer. Though mortality has been reduced prostate cancer is the sixth cause of cancer-specific death worldwide. The combination of genetic and environmental factors may explain the ethnic and geographical variations in the incidence and mortality from prostate cancer.