Alimentary tract cancer mortality in Australia, 1908-1978. An epidemiological appraisal

Australian mortality from alimentary tract cancer is examined, by sex and age, for the period from 1908 to 1978. In both sexes, mortality from gastric cancer has declined steadily, whereas that from pancreatic cancer has increased. There have been recent upturns in mortality from oesophageal and colorectal cancers, after an earlier rise and fall. These diverse trends are examined, particularly in relation to sex and generational differences, in the light of current aetiological hypotheses. Dietary factors (including alcohol) may be of prime importance.