Time trends in cancer mortality in Estonia, 1965-1989.

Mortality rates for cancer of all sites combined and for 12 selected sites or site groups in Estonia from 1965 to 1989 were studied to assess overall progress in controlling cancer. Between 1965-1969 and 1985-1989, age-standardized mortality (world population) increased by 12.0% among males and decreased by 5.1% among females. The changes in mortality for the age-groups 20-44, 45-64, and 65 and over were -0.3%, 23.5% and 5.8% among males and 0.9%, -7.0% and -4.4% among females, respectively. In males, the most marked rise in mortality occurred for cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx, intestine and larynx. In females, the most rapid increase was observed for cancers of the lung, oral cavity and pharynx and breast. The decline in stomach cancer and cervical cancer mortality reflects worldwide trends. However, the noticeable increase in mortality rates for most of the sites indicates a need for strong preventive measures, particularly anti-smoking campaigns. In general, the time trends in mortality from all cancers combined demonstrate that in Estonia, over the last 25 years, no progress against cancer has been achieved.