[Prostatic cancer: an analysis of 42 cases]

Between January 1972 and December 1983, 42 cases of adenocarcinoma of the prostate were admitted to Kaohsiung Medical College Hospital. The ages ranged from 46 to 90 years, with a mean of 68.6 years. The peak age group was 60-79 years of age and 2.3 per cent were less than 50 years old. The prospect for prognosis was worse if the serum acid phosphatase level was elevated. The over-all 5-year survival rate of this series was 21%. The survival rate varied according to the clinical stage: Stage A, 40%; Stage B, 31.5%; Stage D, 6.25%. On the basis of our study, the most promising approach toward increasing the survival of patients with cancer of the prostate would be earlier detection and immediate definitive treatment, including radical prostatectomy and castration. The importance of an annual physical examination, especially in men over 50 years of age which includes digital palpitation of the prostate gl, is emphasized.