[The trends and geographical distribution of breast cancer mortality in Andalusia (1976-1995)]

To describe trends and geographical distribution of breast cancer mortality in Andalusian women between 1976 and 1995.

Descriptive study.

Andalusia.

Deaths from breast cancer during the period 1976 to 1995 were obtained.

The following were calculated: crude mortality rates; age-adjusted rates by the direct method, using the European population as standard; rates broken down for 15-44, 45-64 and over 65 age-groups; accumulated rates for 0 to 74 years; age-adjusted rates of potential years of life lost (PYLL); specific rates for five-year age groups for each of the five-year periods studied. Between 1976 and 1995 breast cancer mortality in Andalusian women almost doubled in absolute terms. Age-adjusted rates went up by 40.31%; the rates broken down increased, especially those for over-65s, while the 15 to 44 and 45 to 64 groups also went up, as did the PYLL rates.

Breast cancer in Andalusia is a growing health problem, concentrated in very concrete geographical areas. It needs a determined health intervention in order to detect it early and avoid the deaths it is causing.