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Firm measures are required to effect any significant decrease in the Japanese age-adjusted mortality rate from
Shigeyuki Nakaji1, Qiang Liu, Tatsuya Yamamoto
1Department of Hygiene, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Zaifu-cho 5, Hirosaki, Japan. nakaji@cc.hirosaki-u.ac.jp
European Journal of Epidemiology
|April 13, 2004
Summary
Japanese cancer mortality rates show mixed trends. While gastric and uterine cancer deaths decreased, other cancers rose, necessitating greater focus on prevention and research for future reductions.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Japan boasts the world's longest lifespan, largely due to reduced mortality from non-cancerous diseases.
- Understanding trends in malignant neoplasm mortality is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in age-adjusted mortality rates (AMRs) for malignant neoplasms in Japan between 1950 and 2000.
- To identify key cancer types influencing overall mortality trends.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of age-adjusted mortality rates (AMRs) for all malignant neoplasms in Japan.
- Examination of trends from 1950 to 2000, with a focus on changes since 1990.
Main Results:
- Overall AMRs for malignant neoplasms increased in men and decreased slowly in women from 1950-2000.
- A hopeful trend towards decreased total AMR emerged since 1995.
- Decreases in gastric and uterine cancer AMRs were offset by increases in other cancers, with the decline in gastric/uterine cancers leveling off post-1990.
Conclusions:
- Future reductions in cancer incidence and mortality require addressing other cancer sites.
- A dual approach of preventative medicine, research, and improved diagnostics/therapeutics is essential.
- Increased emphasis on primary prevention (e.g., anti-smoking campaigns) and research into etiology/treatments for cancers like colorectal and breast is vital.