Varying evolution of the New Zealand lung cancer epidemic by ethnicity and socioeconomic position (1981-1999).
OBJECTIVE
Tobacco use and resultant health effects have been described as an epidemic that progresses through the population. This paper aims to describe and explain trends in lung cancer mortality by ethnicity and socioeconomic position in New Zealand between 1981-1999.


METHODS
Cohort studies of the entire New Zealand population for 1981-84, 1986-89, 1991-94, and 1996-99 (linking census and mortality datasets) allowed direct determination of trends in lung mortality by income and education. For ethnicity, we used unlinked census and mortality data--but with correction factors applied for undercounting of Maori and Pacific deaths.


RESULTS
Lung cancer mortality decreased in males and increased in females over the time period studied. In males, socioeconomic inequality persisted despite a decline in mortality in all socioeconomic groups. In females, a disproportionate increase in the mortality of lower socioeconomic groups compared to higher socioeconomic groups resulted in an increase in inequality. Divergent trends by ethnic group resulted in an increase in ethnic inequalities between 1981 and 1996 in both males and females.


CONCLUSIONS
There are significant and growing ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in lung cancer mortality in New Zealand. In the current absence of concerted public health action these inequalities will probably widen in future decades.
Shaw
Caroline
C
Department of Public Health, Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington South, New Zealand.
Blakely
Tony
T
Sarfati
Diana
D
Fawcett
Jackie
J
Hill
Sarah
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019352:Censuses; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000401:mortality*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors