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Temporal patterns in lung cancer death rates in Ireland

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Abstract

Background

Distinct temporal patterns can be identified through estimating annual-percent-changes (APC) in age-specific disease rates, but APCs in lung cancer rates among the youngest adults can also reflect the recent changing smoking habits of a population.

Method

Lung cancer mortality rates from 1970 to 1999 were investigated in Ireland, using the Joinpoint regression modelling technique.

Results

In the most recent decade (1989–1999) male lung cancer death rates showed a significant annual decline (−2.4%), but female annual rates have scarcely decelerated (0.1%). The combined gender youngest adults (30–39 year-olds) showed decreasing rates, but the annual decline in the youngest female rates were significant only from 1970 to 1990 and thereafter increased non-significantly.

Conclusion

Unlike male lung cancer death rates, the overall female rates are increasing significantly. While the combined gender youngest adult rates are decreasing, the apparent reversal in trends among the youngest female rates from 1990 onwards is worrying.

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Acknowledgement

The Royal City of Dublin Hospital Research Trust funded this project. Dr Zubair Kabir is currently on a joint cancer research fellowship to the Harvard School of Public Health funded through the Health Research Board (Ireland) and the National Cancer Institute (US).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Public Health Practice, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Landmark Center (3rd Floor, East), Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Z. Kabir & G. N. Connolly

  2. The Digital Depot, The Digital Hub, Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society, Thomas Street, Dublin 8, Ireland

    Z. Kabir & L. Clancy

Authors
  1. Z. Kabir
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  2. G. N. Connolly
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  3. L. Clancy
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Z. Kabir.

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Kabir, Z., Connolly, G.N. & Clancy, L. Temporal patterns in lung cancer death rates in Ireland. Ir J Med Sci 176, 81–85 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-007-0035-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-007-0035-9

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