Breast cancer mortality in Spain: has it really declined for all age groups?

OBJECTIVES

In recent years, the incidence of breast cancer has increased in Spain but mortality has decreased, particularly since 1992. Despite the general decrease in mortality, the intensity of this disease differs between age groups. The main objective of this study was to examine mortality due to breast cancer for different age groups in Spain from 1981 to 2007, and to forecast the mortality rate in 2023.

STUDY DESIGN

Ecological study.

METHODS

Trends in mortality due to breast cancer were analysed using the Lee-Carter model, which is the typical analysis for mortality in the general population but is rarely used to analyse specific causes of death.

RESULTS

This study found a decreasing trend in mortality due to breast cancer from 1993 to 2007, and it is predicted that this trend will continue. However, mortality rates varied between age groups: a decreasing trend was seen in younger and middle-aged women, whereas mortality rates remained stable in older women.

CONCLUSIONS

Preventive breast cancer practices should differ by patient age.