Mortality trends among Jewish and non-Jewish women in Israel, 1960-82.

Until 1975 in Israel mortality rates in women aged greater than or equal to 25 years old were higher among Jewish women than non-Jewish women. Since then the relationship has been reversed with higher rates in the non-Jewish group. The three main causes of death in the two groups were heart disease, cancer and cerebrovascular disease (CVA). The proportional mortality and death rates from total heart diseases rose in the non-Jewish population during 1970-82, whereas in Jewish women there were only slight changes. With regard to cancer, the proportional mortality and death rates were higher in the Jewish group. However, from 1970 to 1982 cancer mortality in the Jewish population declined continuously, while in the non-Jewish group it rose. Mortality from CVA rose in both Jewish and non-Jewish women until 1974, but then declined. Since then, the rates remained considerably higher in the non-Jewish population. Death from heart disease, cancer and CVA can partially explain the reversal in total mortality rates in 1975.