Diverging trends in prostate cancer mortality in the autonomous community of Andalucia (1975-2004)

To describe the evolution of prostate cancer mortality in Andalucia during the period 1975-2004 at the provincial level. Mortality data for prostate cancer and population denominator data was supplied by the Statistical Institute of Andalucia. Age group-specific and standardised overall and truncated (50-79 years old) rates were calculated by the direct method (European standard population). In 2004 there were 813 deaths in Andalucia from prostate cancer. Prostate cancer accounts for around 8% of male deaths from cancer. Joinpoint analysis shows three diverging trends (fall in Cadiz, Huelva and Malaga, rise in Granada and stabilization in the other provinces) in age-standardized mortality rates. In Granada, an increment in mortality from prostate cancer is observed in opposition to the trend in the other provinces.