Tendency to mortality due to malignant brain tumors. rates analysis

Abstract

There is a controversy with respect to an increment in the incidence of malignant brain tumors. This could be explained by the exponential increase of the number of computerized tomographies, The objective of this paper is that of evaluating the tendency of mortality due to primary malignant brain tumors (PMBT) in the Chilean population between the years 1985 and 1999. The study of mortality rates was carried out based on data obtained from demographic indicators. The Chilean population used was that adjusted to the 1999 census. The categories used were 191.0 to I91.9 and C 71-0 to C 71-9 of the International Diseases Classification corresponding to the group 'malignant tumors of the central nervous system'. Specific rates for age and sex were studied. Tendency was calculated by using adjusted rates, making use of the Prais-Winsten lineal regression analysis for time-correlated grading. The PMBT' s obtained were 2304. The rates by sex vary from 0.9 to 1. 75 x 100,000 in males and 0. 7 to 1.22 in females. The global tendency of death from tumors tends to a rise in both groups, being significantly higher in males (0.47 IC 95%0.18 to 0.42 pd ≤ 0.005). By age groups, in those under 34 it does not increase significantly. Between 35 and 39, and in those over 45 years old, the increase is statistically significant. It can be concluded that the tendency to mortality from PMBT increases in the total population and in both sexes. It also increases in age groups between 35 and 39, and over 45 years of age.