Comparison of Cancer Mortality (Stomach Cancer) in Five Countries: France, Italy, Japan, UK and USA from the WHO Mortality Database (1960-2000)

Age-standardized rates (ASRs; using 1985 Japanese standard population) of stomach cancer for both males and females have continuously decreased for four decades in France, Italy, Japan, UK and USA (Fig. 1). In both males and females Japan has the highest ASRs compared with other countries. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASRs) for stomach cancer for males and females: age-standardized with 1985 Japanese standard population, rates per 100 000. For age-specific rates (Figs. 2 and 3), similar trends to those shown for ASRs are observed. Mortality rates of stomach cancer have decreased for all age groups in both males and females in all countries. However, for the last 5 years of the study period mortality rates have reached a plateau state among the 85 years and over age groups in both males and females in Japan. For each age group in Japan, the descending trend appeared later by approximately 30–40 years compared with other countries. Age-specific rates over 40 years of age for stomach cancer in five countries: Males, rates per 100 000. Age-specific rates over 40 years of age for stomach cancer in five countries: Females, rates per 100 000. The mortality rate of stomach cancer among males and females in all countries has continuously and dramatically decreased with birth cohorts born after 1900 (Figs. 4 and 5). In Japan and Italy, although data of those born before 1900 are limited to age groups of 70+, it seems that stomach cancer rates peaked with the 1900 birth cohort. For females in Japan, a steep decreasing trend is observed in the 50–70 years age groups. Age-specific rates over 40 years of age by birth cohort for stomach cancer in five countries: Males, rates per 100 000. Age-specific rates over 40 years of age by birth cohort for stomach cancer in five countries: Females, rates per 100 000. For younger age groups under 50 years of age (Figs. 6 and 7), successively decreasing trends are observed for all age groups except for those of the USA in both males and females. In the USA, younger age groups under 40 years of age for both genders reach a plateau after 1985. Age-specific rates under 50 years of age for stomach cancer in five countries: Males, rates per 100 000. Age-specific rates under 50 years of age for stomach cancer in five countries: Females, rates per 100 000. Note: original data is downloaded from the WHO Mortality Database (version as of Feb. 2004). The data was then tabulated by I. Yoshimi with 151 (ICD-7), 151 (ICD-8), 151 (ICD-9), and C16 (ICD-10). Responsibility for this presentation and interpretation lies with the authors, not the WHO Mortality Database.