[Prostate cancer in Denmark 1943-2002].
BACKGROUND
Previous studies in Denmark have reported an increase in prostate cancer (PC) incidence- and mortality rates. So far, it has not been possible to establish the rising incidence as a consequence of an increase in diagnostic procedures. This study reviews the trends in PC incidence and mortality rates in Denmark during the 60-year-period from 1943 to 2002.


METHODS
Register-based study.


RESULTS
The age-standardised (World Standard Population) rate of PC in Denmark increased from 11.4/100,00 in the period 1943-47 to 38.2/100,000 in the period 1998-2002. Mortality rate increased from 13.5/100,000 in 1953 to 19.1/100,000 in the period 1993-98. Within the last 10 years changes in age-distribution and clinical stage, especially among younger patients, indicate a shift towards a more active diagnostic policy.


CONCLUSIONS
In concordance with other studies we found an increasing PC incidence. In the last 10-year-period studied from 1993 to 2002, our study found the rise in incidence most likely explained by an increase in diagnostic activity, presumably as unsystematic PSA-based "gray-zone screening". This development contrasts with the national recommendation for PSA-based screening for PC. The rising incidence will necessitate allocation of increased resources for evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of patients with PC.
Brasso
Klaus
K
Rigshospitalet, Urologisk Afdeling D.
Ingimarsdottir
Inga Jona
IJ
Thomassen
Lars
L
Friis
Søren
S
Iversen
Peter
P
D000368:Aged; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D012042:Registries