[Spatial accumulation of mortality and morbidity from cancer of the prostate (ICD-10:C61)]

The authors examined the spatial accumulation of mortality and morbidity of cancer of the prostate of the total as well as age stratified male population of Hungary. Using GIS, a descriptive epidemiological study was carried out examining the spatial differences of mortality on settlement level with 2000 inhabitants by calculating standardized mortality and morbidity ratios. The significance of the difference of mortality and morbidity from the national mean was tested by chi square probe. On the basis of the results a significant excess in mortality was detected in 11 regions of the country. The unfavourable regions cover 11.6% of the territory of the country where 25.6% of the male population live. A significant excess morbidity can be observed in 8 counties. A significant correlation was found between the unfavourable regions of mortality and morbidity (r=0.443, p<0.05). The age-specific analysis of morbidity revealed the highest excess in morbidity in the age group over 70 years accumulating in 3 counties of Transdanubia and in 6 counties of the Great Plain. On the basis of the results of mortality and morbidity analysis according to age and areas the unfavourable regions can be identified where mortality and morbidity from cancer of the prostate accumulates. These studies serve as a basis for intervention strategies.