Regional patterns in mortality from cancer in the United States.

Abstract

In a study of the United States age-adjusted cancer death rates during the 20 years between 1940 and 1959 strong regional patterns were found in the level of death rates and in their variation over time. Marked differences in race and sex were found in the death rates for each site. By correlation analysis, relationships between various primary sites of cancer with respect to their regional mortality patterns were derived. Similarities in the changes that occurred in the mortality rates during this period were evaluated. Increases or decreases in different types of cancer deaths have been reported but this study is an over-all survey in which the basic data from the United States Public Health Service is organized to reveal significant trends and racial and regional differences.