Analysis of mortality rate from carcinoma of prostate.

Age-specific mortality from carcinoma of the prostate was analyzed by drawing a line between the value at age 52 years and that at age 87. Slope of the line was relatively constant for the pooled years 1962-1966, 1967-1971 and 1972-1976 (maximum variation from the mean of 4.5%). However, the slope was 17.7% greater for the period 1977-1981 and 29.8% over the prior mean in 1987-1992. This was explored by two models. Mortality versus age was well described by a power function, with an increase in slope noted in the mid-1970s. An exponential growth model was also utilized and revealed the existence of a 'change point' around the year 1975. Hence, two models are available for further exploring the increase in age-specific mortality from carcinoma of the prostate which occurred in the mid-1970 period.