open access

Vol 73, No 3 (2023)
Research paper (original)
Published online: 2023-02-24
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Trends in cancer mortality among Poland’s oldest old (aged 85 years and older)

Dana Kristjansson12, Marta Mańczuk3
·
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2023;73(3):168-173.
Affiliations
  1. Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
  2. Center of Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
  3. Cancer Epidemiology and Primary Prevention Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland

open access

Vol 73, No 3 (2023)
Cancer epidemiology
Published online: 2023-02-24

Abstract

Introduction. The population of Poland’s oldest old has increased substantially in recent decades. We evaluate mortality rates for all major cancers and their trend changes between 1999–2018. 

Material and methods. Cancer death data (1999–2018) were extracted from the World Health Organization (WHO) database. Age-standardized rates, and annual percent changes (APC) were determined. 

Results. Overall, 1 out of every 8 cancers are diagnosed over age 85+. Women are more often diagnosed than men at a ratio of 2.6 to 1. With regards to the cancers with the highest mortality rates, APCs increased for lung (0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1–0.9) and breast (2.3; 95% CI: 1.7–2.9) cancer among women. Colon cancer also increased among men (2.7; 95% CI: 1.7–2.2). 

Conclusions. Substantial progress in cancer prevention has been made due to access to diagnostic testing, treatment, and a reduction of smoking. However, there is a need for comprehensive cancer centers that are equipped to administer and coordinate complex and personalized cancer care for the growing elderly population.

Abstract

Introduction. The population of Poland’s oldest old has increased substantially in recent decades. We evaluate mortality rates for all major cancers and their trend changes between 1999–2018. 

Material and methods. Cancer death data (1999–2018) were extracted from the World Health Organization (WHO) database. Age-standardized rates, and annual percent changes (APC) were determined. 

Results. Overall, 1 out of every 8 cancers are diagnosed over age 85+. Women are more often diagnosed than men at a ratio of 2.6 to 1. With regards to the cancers with the highest mortality rates, APCs increased for lung (0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1–0.9) and breast (2.3; 95% CI: 1.7–2.9) cancer among women. Colon cancer also increased among men (2.7; 95% CI: 1.7–2.2). 

Conclusions. Substantial progress in cancer prevention has been made due to access to diagnostic testing, treatment, and a reduction of smoking. However, there is a need for comprehensive cancer centers that are equipped to administer and coordinate complex and personalized cancer care for the growing elderly population.

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Keywords

cancer; mortality; elderly; Poland

About this article
Title

Trends in cancer mortality among Poland’s oldest old (aged 85 years and older)

Journal

Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology

Issue

Vol 73, No 3 (2023)

Article type

Research paper (original)

Pages

168-173

Published online

2023-02-24

Page views

1246

Article views/downloads

329

DOI

10.5603/NJO.a2023.0011

Bibliographic record

Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2023;73(3):168-173.

Keywords

cancer
mortality
elderly
Poland

Authors

Dana Kristjansson
Marta Mańczuk

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