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Sex differentials in Swiss cancer mortality
1Institut universitaire de médecine sociale et préventive, Lausanne.
Sozial- Und Praventivmedizin
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Cancer mortality rates declined more significantly in Swiss females than males between 1951-1984. Women generally had better cancer survival rates, contributing to their lower mortality across most cancer sites.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cancer incidence and mortality exhibit significant sex-based disparities globally.
- Understanding these sex ratios is crucial for targeted cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze sex ratios in cancer mortality and survival in Switzerland.
- To investigate temporal trends and potential explanations for observed sex differences in cancer outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Swiss national cancer mortality data (1951-1984).
- Analyzed Vaud Cancer Registry survival data (1974-1980).
- Calculated age-standardized mortality rates and male/female sex ratios.
Main Results:
- Overall cancer mortality declined more in females (35-64 age group) than males.
- Males exhibited higher mortality for most cancer sites, with ratios up to 7-10 for lung and alcohol/tobacco-related cancers.
- Female cancer patients generally had higher survival rates than males across common sites.
Conclusions:
- Females experienced a more favorable cancer mortality trend in Switzerland.
- Higher female survival rates partially explain their lower cancer mortality.
- Factors like earlier diagnosis or treatment response may contribute to better female outcomes, though not fully elucidated.