Low cancer incidence and mortality in Utah

Utah cancer mortality for the years 1950-1969 and morbidity for the years 1966-1970 are reported. Utah had 18% fewer cases of cancer than expected based on the Third National Cancer Survey, and 24% fewer cancer deaths than expected based on national mortality data. Cancer sites associated with cigarette smoking and alcohol use accounted for nearly half of these differences. Several major sites not strongly associated with smoking showed lower incidence and mortality than expected. These included pancreas, colon, rectum, female breast, uterine cervix and ovary. A marked excess occurrence above expectation was observed for cancer of the lip. Some possible explanations of these findings are discussed, including some of the unique aspects of the Utah population.