Radical prostatectomies in Austria, 1997–2004

• Main Authors: Schatzl Georg, Madersbacher Stephan, Haidinger Gerald, Vutuc Christian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2008-07-01
• Series: BMC Research Notes
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1756-0500/1/48

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The introduction of PSA testing in Austria led to a steep increase of the incidence of prostate cancer. We want to present the course of the number of newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer in Austria since 1997, and set these numbers in relation to the total of radical prostatectomies (with resection of lymph nodes) in the same time period. All numbers were retrieved from health statistics of Statistics Austria. The report period of cancer cases and of RPE comprises the years 1997–2004. All calculations were performed for totals as well as for 5-year age groups (40–89 years of age).</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>The number of prostate cancer cases rose from 1997 to 2004 by 35%, while the number of RPE rose by 94% in the same time period. The proportion of RPE in relation to new cases rose from 41% in 1997 to 59% in 2004.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A slight decrease of prostate cancer mortality can already be observed in Austria, but the question of over-treatment still awaits analysis.</p>