Geographical epidemiology of prostate cancer: is there an association with infection?

Incidence and mortality data from the 1960s, when screening for cancers of the cervix and prostate was minimal, reveal a positive but statistically nonsignificant geographical association between the two diseases. Data on cancer incidence from African cancer registries and from the South African National Cancer Registry also show weak but positive associations. To determine whether infection is a cause of prostate cancer, case-control studies need to be conducted on individuals with and without prostate cancer or prostate cancer precursors. The screening of serum for prostate specific antigen provides an excellent opportunity to test for sexually transmitted agents.