Period analysis for 'up-to-date' cancer survival data: theory, empirical evaluation, computational realisation and applications.
Long-term survival rates are the most commonly used outcome measures for patients with cancer. However, traditional long-term survival statistics, which are derived by cohort-based types of analysis, essentially reflect the survival expectations of patients diagnosed many years ago. They are therefore often severely outdated at the time they become available. A couple of years ago, a new method of survival analysis, denoted period analysis, has been introduced to derive more 'up-to-date' estimates of long-term survival rates. We give a comprehensive review of the new methodology, its statistical background, empirical evaluation, computational realisation and applications. We conclude that period analysis is a powerful tool to provide more 'up-to-date' cancer survival rates. More widespread use by cancer registries should help to increase the use of cancer survival statistics for patients, clinicians, and public health authorities.
Brenner
H
H
Department of Epidemiology, German Centre for Research on Ageing, Bergheimer Str 20, D-69115, Heidelberg, Germany. brenner@dzfa.uni-heidelberg.de
Gefeller
O
O
Hakulinen
T
T
D015331:Cohort Studies; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003710:Demography; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality*; D011379:Prognosis; D012042:Registries; D016019:Survival Analysis; D015996:Survival Rate