The burden of cancer in Austria

The aim of this study was to assess the overall progress against cancer in Austria by analysing changes in age-adjusted mortality rates from 1970 to 1 996. For the years 1970 to 1996, age-adjusted rates for all malignant neopl asms and for selected sites were calculated for men and women, according to year, age and sex. The number of cancer deaths were obtained from the Aust rian Central Statistical Office - age-adjusted mortality rates of all malig nant neoplasms decreased in men between 1971 and 1996 by 13% (from 289.1 to 251.4 deaths per 100 000), and in women between 1970 and 1996 by 19.1% (fr om 276.6 to 223.7 deaths per 100 000). Among older people (greater than or equal to 55 years) the mortality decreased by 13% in men and by 17% in wome n; among younger people (<55 years) by 12% and 30%, respectively. The decre ase in total cancer mortality is promoted by three tumour sites (the leadin g causes of cancer deaths in 1970), In both sexes, the decrease of stomach cancer mortality had the major impact, followed by colorectal cancer in wom en and by lung cancer in men. The observed changes in mortality are primari ly related to changing incidence and early detection, rather than improveme nts in treatment, Unfortunately, there is evidence that prevention is losin g ground in Austria. The implementation of the well-established knowledge o f cancer prevention and the strengthening of preventative research is urgen tly needed. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.