There has been an explosion in the number of prostate biopsies performed as a result of which of the following?

The introduction of the PSA test has significantly transformed the approach to prostate cancer screening and detection. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test measuring the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated levels of PSA can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, among other conditions.

As awareness of prostate cancer and the availability of the PSA test has increased, more men have undergone screening. This proactive approach allows for early detection, which is crucial as early-stage prostate cancer is often asymptomatic. The result is an uptick in the number of prostate biopsies performed, as men with elevated PSA levels are typically referred for biopsy to determine the presence of cancer.

In contrast, while increased life expectancy and cutting-edge detection techniques may contribute to the general landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment, they do not directly account for the specific rise in biopsies associated with prostate cancer. Environmental consequences also do not specifically relate to the increase in the number of biopsies performed for prostate cancer detection. The PSA test's role is central to the observed increase in biopsies, making it the most fitting choice in this context.