Epidemiology of early prostate cancer (introduction).

The number of prostate cases reported is increasing markedly in the United States and worldwide. The cause for the increase as well as the reason for the marked geographic and racial differences in the epidemiology of prostate cancer, is poorly understood. Nevertheless, such information is essential for understanding the biology of the disease, and for the rational implementation of detection strategies, disease prevention, and appropriate treatment. These important epidemiological concerns were recently discussed at an International Symposium on the Epidemiology of Early Prostate Cancer.