Age-specific cancer mortality trends in 16 countries.

OBJECTIVES

This study explored previously little-known cancer mortality trends with a focus on changes with age and sex differences in 16 countries.

METHODS

Time series age-sex-specific cancer mortality, deaths from all causes, and population data were used for statistical description.

RESULTS

The cancer mortality rate (CMR) peaked and declined with age in 11 countries. CMRs appeared to peak earlier and decline more dramatically in earlier time periods rather than later periods and for males rather than females. CMR peaking could have possibly been historically delayed. Moreover, "percentage of deaths from cancer" (PDC) in all 16 countries plunged after about age 60. Middle-aged women may have higher CMRs than men. Premenopausal women may have higher PDCs than postmenopausal women.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings make significant contributions to the literature, though their interpretation and application have limitations due to data quality and availability. Future research should explore if and how the findings apply to other countries and time periods. Public health practitioners and policy makers should consider age-sex-specific strategies for more effective cancer control.