Correlations in mortality data involving cancers of the colorectum and esophagus.

Massachusetts vital event data for 1969--1972 were used to develop correlations between mortality rates for malignant diseases and other causes of death over the 34 health planning subdivisions of the state. A significant correlation was found between the mortality rates for cancer of the colon and rectum and ischemic heart disease. The association between the mortality figures for cancer of the esophagus and cancer of the lung and cirrhosis of the liver was also investigated. The objective was not only to learn more about the etiology of these conditions, but also to investigate the socioeconomic and other factors which are of importance in developing preventive programs. The need for neighboring states to use their data to confirm or refute findings is stressed.