A new study performed by the American Cancer Society has found that rates of prostate cancer have begun to stabilize throughout the globe. As the third-most common form of cancer in the United States, this health concern has been among the top health issues witnessed throughout the country.

According to this new study, however, some countries have seen a decline in the numbers of this diagnoses with the United States witnessing the largest decrease in prostate cancer rates.

The study tested the long term and short term data submitted by 44 countries who provided incidence data, while 71 countries submitted data pertaining to cancer deaths. The study took place between 1980 and 2012.

So far, it’s estimated that 37 million Americans throughout the United States will suffer from an enlarged prostate at some point in their lives, but only some of these health issues will result in a cancer diagnosis. However, the data has proven otherwise.

“Previous studies have indicated significant variation in prostate cancer rates, due to factors including detection practices, availability of treatment, and genetic factors,” explains ACS scientist and study director, MaryBeth Freeman.

“By comparing rates from different countries, we can assess differences in detection practices and improvements in treatment.”

The decrease in diagnoses is, in part, due to the decline in false positives made from an innovative blood test released in 1994. Though this led to a decrease in the number of deaths among older men who were tested, it also created a surge in incorrect diagnoses, increasing the fear of this condition among middle-aged men.

In fact, many forms of prostate cancer are slow-growing and unlikely to pose a significant health risk. This includes those who are actually diagnosed with this form of cancer. This is one of the many reasons most men aren’t required to get a prostate cancer screening until retirement, around the age of 63. After the age of 70, US Preventive Services Task Force even discourages taking the test in the first place as of 2018.

It was within the last five years that witnessed the greatest drop in prostate cancer diagnoses. This roughly correlates with the Preventive Services Task Force recommendation, who began to advise against the PSA test in 2012.

However, there are further technological advances that are attributed to the global decline of this disease.

In China, medical doctors and urologists have been able to formulate a 3D prostate treatment method. This treatment helps those with prostate cancer, but it also treats benign prostatic hyperplasia and other prostate issues. It has been found that this form of 3D treatment has a 95% effectiveness rating.

Unfortunately, only Chinese urologist Dr. Song is able to perform this innovative treatment. But as technology advances, the future for those diagnosed with prostate issues is looking a little brighter.