Cancer mortality in Europe. Site-specific patterns and trends 1955 to 1974.

The age-standardized mortality for each sex for 24 countries in Europe for each year during 1955-1974 is recorded for the five sites of cancer--lung, stomach, large intestine (excluding rectum), prostate and breast. The trends in the changing rates are examined between countries and over time; the trends in the two sexes are compared and general patterns of cancer mortality for these specific sites throughout Europe are demonstrated. Lung cancer mortality has increased for both sexes, stomach cancer has decreased for both sexes, cancer of the large intestine has had a variable pattern, and mortality from cancer of the prostate and female breast has increased.