Noncancer deaths in white adult cancer patients

摘要: BACKGROUND The cancer-specific death rate is a commonly used indicator in the assessment of progress against cancer. However, since cause often not substantiated and complete medical information lacking, validity mortality rates being questioned. PURPOSE We investigated by examining noncancer deaths cancer patients large patient population. METHODS Data were obtained from National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results (SEER) Program on diagnosed between 1973 1987, with follow-up through December 1987. SEER database consists 1.2 million records nine population-based registries covering geographic regions United States. Rates U.S. population Center for Health Statistics. subtracted overall to obtain sex 5-year age group each calendar year. Excluded study races other than White those at 85 years or more due absence comparisons. Also excluded cases discovered autopsy persons less 20 age. statistical analysis employed log-linear model. RESULTS ratio patient-to-general-population rates, as calculated dividing number per year found matched data referred relative hazard, considered significant values greater 1 all cancers combined common solid tumors examined. Of 12 leading causes population, most circulatory respiratory failures. risk decreased rapidly after diagnosis also patient's diagnosis. It increased slightly CONCLUSIONS Because occurred shortly diagnosis, it appears that this excess was caused treatment Generally, underestimate associated Therefore, because degree underestimation changes time, an examination solely cancer-caused assessing disease incomplete.