In:
Tumori Journal, SAGE Publications, Vol. 81, No. 6 ( 1995-11), p. 399-404
Abstract:
The present report combines descriptive statistics (partly never published) on four neighboring areas of north-eastern (NE) Italy [Friuli-Venezia Giulia (1970-89) and Veneto (1970-87) regions and the provinces of Trento (1970-89) and Bolzano (1971-90)], and all Italy (1970-89). The aim was to highlight potential differences in mortality trends and promote a more systematic sharing of data and methodologies. Methods Death certificates stratified by cause, sex, age and residence were obtained from official publications of the Italian Central Institute of Statistics. Absolute numbers of deaths from different causes, age-standardized rates (on the basis of the European standard population) and percentage of change over the examined period for both sexes were computed for each geographic area. Results Unfavorable trends were seen for neoplasms of the upper aerodigestive tract, lung, breast, colorectum, bladder, kidney and pancreas and cutaneous malignant melanoma. Increases in most of these neoplasms were more marked in the 4 NE areas than in Italy, especially with respect to cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract in both sexes and cancer of the lung and ovary in women. In Bolzano, rates of neoplasms associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption were lower and less steeply increasing than in the other NE areas, most notably Trento, therefore, contributing to produce the lowest overall cancer mortality rates of NE areas. Cancers of the stomach, uterus, and testis and Hodgkin's disease presented consistent downward trends in all examined areas. Conclusions The analysis of mortality trends across areas is consistent with elevated and still increasing cancer rates in the 4 NE areas considered, especially for tobacco and alcohol-related neoplasms and skin melanoma. Preventive strategies, based on epidemiologic knowledge, especially against tobacco and heavy alcohol consumption, and intense intermittent sun exposure, seem to be priorities and may benefit from systematic sharing of information, expertise and intervention tools in NE Italy. At least part of the lack of cancer deaths in Bolzano must be attributable to the deaths of Bolzano residents abroad (especially in Austria) and/or to differences in coding practices. This should be elucidated in future studies.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0300-8916
,
2038-2529
DOI:
10.1177/030089169508100602
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
1995
detail.hit.zdb_id:
280962-X
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2267832-3
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