Cancer of the gallbladder and biliary tract (ICD-9 156)

General pattern was similar in men and women. The incidence rates were highest in the former GDR (69/106 in women, 34/106 in men). Incidence rates below 17/106 were observed among both males and females in Baltic countries, Belarus, Norway and Iceland. The mortality rates were some 10% lower than the incidence rates everywhere except in Denmark, where mortality exceeded incidence.

In Polish cities the incidence rates were high and comparable to those in the former GDR, whereas in the rural areas of Poland the rates in males were among the lowest in Northern Europe. In Russia the rates decreased towards the south.

The relative difference between the countries increased with age.

Comment

Similarity between results for the sexes suggest risk factors being similar in men and women, supposedly dietary habits; obesity and gallstones increase the bladder cancer risk. Sometimes these habits seem to cross the borders (areas of Belarus, Baltic countries and the neighbouring territories in Russia and Poland), sometimes not (border between Sweden and Norway).

 

Graphs:

National rates incidence & mortality males females
Age curves incidence (Baltic, Nor, Swe, Bel, GDR) males females
Map incidence males females
  mortality males females

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