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Cancer mortality in West Virginia
1Department of Community Medicine, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center of West Virginia University, Morgantown.
The West Virginia Medical Journal
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Cancer incidence has increased in West Virginia since 1950, particularly among men and older individuals. This rise is attributed to decreasing mortality from other causes, leading to deaths at older ages.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cancer incidence in West Virginia has shown a notable increase since 1950.
- This trend is particularly pronounced in men and became more evident in older populations during the 1980s.
- Previous research has explored potential environmental factors contributing to these rising cancer rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trends in cancer incidence in West Virginia.
- To investigate the demographic patterns of cancer increases, specifically age and sex.
- To evaluate the contributing factors behind the observed rise in cancer mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of cancer incidence data from West Virginia.
- Demographic analysis focusing on age-specific and sex-specific cancer rates.
- Statistical evaluation to determine correlations between cancer trends and other mortality causes.
Main Results:
- Cancer rates have demonstrably risen in West Virginia since the mid-20th century.
- The increase in cancer incidence is significantly higher in men and older age groups.
- Dr. Jack Riggs' analysis suggests that the rise is linked to decreased mortality from other causes, not environmental hazards.
Conclusions:
- The observed increase in cancer rates is primarily an artifact of people living longer and other causes of death declining.
- Individuals are dying from cancer at older ages, reflecting overall improvements in longevity.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the nuances of cancer epidemiology in aging populations.