Major cancer mortality and changes in Yanting, 2004-2009: introduction to cancer challenges in a high risk area

Yanting County is one of high risk areas of esophageal cancer in China. Recently, the economic level has improved to a new standard, but cancer issues have not been updated. This study aimed to describe the main cancer mortalities and change from 2004 to 2009 and provide an evidence base for future active strategies. Yanting Cancer Research Institute provided all cancer mortality data and age-standardized rates were calculated based on the world standard population 2000. Annual percentage change was used to estimate the time trend for each cancer. Mortality from upper gastrointestinal cancers, but not other cancers, was much higher than worldwide average figures. Rates for esophageal cancer declined over the 6 years, but lung cancer mortality showed an upward trend. For gastric and liver cancer, no obvious change was observed. Considering the high mortality from upper gastrointestinal cancers, it is necessary to take actions investigating the risk factors and addressing the issues of prevalent cancer challenges.