Trends in cancer mortality during the 20th century in Australia

Abstract

An epidemiological study was conducted, using annual cancer mortality data over the period 1907 to 1998, to explore change in Australian cancer mortality. A 3-year moving average mortality was calculated to minimise the annual fluctuations over the study period. The results suggested that overall cancer mortality rose slightly over the past century, with a small decrease in more recent years. The male and female cancer mortality rates diverged over time. Younger age groups had low and stable death rates, 35-59 years age groups demonstrated decreased rates, and older age groups had increased rates over the study period. Modifiable lifestyle factors and other possible reasons for the changes were explored.