Geographical Variation of Cancer Mortality in Italy

The authors examine variations in mortality due to cancer among the northern central and southern regions of Italy. Using data from official death records for the years 1969-1978 the authors calculate age-standardized mortality rates for all ages and for ages 35-64 and age-specific mortality rates for men and women aged 40-49. The results are presented by sex and region for 29 categories of cancer. The analysis shows a clear north-south gradient with consistently higher mortality rates in the north lower rates in the south and intermediate values in the central region. More detailed findings according to sex age and type of cancer are discussed and possible reasons for the geographical variations including regional patterns concerning diet alcohol consumption and smoking are considered.