Trend in Age-Specific Cancer Mortality and Cancer-Free Life Expectancy in China, 2008-2017: An Analysis of Nationwide Data

Abstract

Background: Cancer is the main chronic disease that affects the health of Chinese residents, however, less systematic study on cancer-free life expectancy in China. We aimed to explore age-specific cancer mortality and changes in population lifespan after removal of cancer to provide important insights and a basic reference on the development of relevant health policies such as cancer control or elderly care. Methods: We use the available data to produce estimates of the number of deaths from 2008 to 2017 for 18 age groups, both sexes, urban areas and rural areas, cancer and the three high-incidence cancers. Data used include the population data from the National Bureau of Statistics and cancer mortality from China Health Statistics Yearbook. We analyzed the change in mortality over the years, and at the same time input the population and deaths into the life table system to calculate life expectancy for all ages and cancer-free. Findings: From 2008 to 2017, the total mortality rate of cancers in China decreased at a steady trend per year in urban areas and increased in rural areas. The mortality rate of the different age groups decreased during the 10-year period while the overall mortality rate increased. The lung cancer in rural areas increased by 2.8% per year, and liver cancer and stomach cancer significantly decrease by 2.1-2.2% per year (P<0.05). Life expectancy of the entire population from 74.6 years in 2008 to 75.6 years in 2017, nearly increases about 1 year. Life expectancy in female is higher than male, urban areas are higher than rural areas. After removing the effects of cancer, life expectancy of the population increases by about 3 years. Lung cancer has a greater impact on life expectancy of the population, mainly concentrated in the male population under 54 years old. If the cancer is effectively controlled, life expectancy of population in 50-84 years will be significantly improved. Interpretation: Cancer is a seriously disease harms the health of the population in China. The development of medical is the main reason for the rapid increase in life expectancy in rural areas. Increasing smoking and obesity are the main factors affecting life expectancy of people, meanwhile, the development of new drugs and some new vaccines can effectively control cancer deaths. The study on life expectancy and healthy life expectancy are important trends in the future. Funding Statement: National High-tech R&D Program (863 Program) for High-end Electronic Medical Record Technology Development and System Application Demonstration (2012AA02A607) Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Missing.