Cancer mortality in Shanghai suburbs in 1974-2007

Objective To analyze cancer mortality in Shanghai suburbs from 1974 to 2007, and provide evidence for cancer prevention and control.Methods Data were analyzed from Death Registration and Reporting system of cancer deaths reported during 1974-2007 in Shanghai suburbs. And the trend and situation of cancer mortality in Shanghai suburbs were analyzed.Results During 1974-2007, the aging population in Shanghai suburbs increased every year. There was 107.77 million people aged over 65 years old in 2007, 3.69 times that in 1974 (29.23 million). Aging coefficient in Shanghai suburbs was 14.23% in 2007, 2.48 times that in 1974 (5.74%). Since 1985, the aging coefficient has exceeded that for the aging population standard (7%). From 1974 to 2007, the crude death rate of cancer in Shanghai suburbs was significantly increased, which in 2007 (213.78/10 million) was 1.94 times that in 1974 (110.23/10 million). Aging coefficient and cancer mortality showed significant linear correlation, indicating that increase in the proportion of the elderly population was one of the major factors for increase in cancer mortality.Conclusion The standardized mortality of cancer was decreased steadily in Shanghai suburbs during 1974-2007. Owing to the increase of aging level in Shanghai, the mortality rate remains significantly increased. With the arrival of aging society, as the malignant tumor has become the major chronic disease endangering human health, especially in the elderly population, we should determine our focus and strategy on risk factor research, cancer prevention and treatment, aiming at Shanghai's typical aging population characteristics and combining the clinical characteristics of cancer occurring in each body part of the elderly people.