Lung cancer, cancer of the trachea, and bronchial cancer: mortality trends in Brazil, 1980-2003.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the mortality trends for lung cancer, cancer of the trachea, and bronchial cancer in relation to gender and age brackets in Brazil.


METHODS
Data related to mortality between 1980 and 2003 were collected from the Brazilian Mortality Database. A trend analysis of mortality was carried out, nationwide and in selected states, using the LOWESS technique for rate smoothing and model adjustments.


RESULTS
In Brazil, the standardized mortality rate for lung cancer, cancer of the trachea, and bronchial cancer increased from 7.21/100,000 inhabitants in 1980 to 9.36/100,000 inhabitants in 2003. Specific mortality rates decreased in males in the 30-49 and 50-59 age brackets. In the 60-69 age bracket, the rates for males increased from 1980 to 1995 and declined thereafter. There was a trend toward higher mortality rates in males over 70, as well as in females over 30, throughout the period evaluated.


CONCLUSIONS
The decrease in the mortality rates in younger males might have resulted from recent national interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of smoking and reducing exposure in younger cohorts. High mortality rates in older populations remained constant due to prior tobacco use. Increased mortality rates in females are a worldwide trend and are attributable to the recent increase in smoking prevalence in females.
Malta
Deborah Carvalho
DC
Brazilian National Ministry of Health, Department of Health Oversight, Brasília (DF) Brazil. deborah.malta@saude.gov.br
Moura
Lenildo de
Ld
Souza
Maria de Fátima Marinho de
Mde F
Curado
Maria Paula
MP
Alencar
Airlane Pereira
AP
Alencar
Gizelton Pereira
GP
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D016010:Binomial Distribution; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality*; D003644:Death Certificates; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality / Q000639:trends; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D013997:Time Factors; D014134:Tracheal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality*