The Czech Republic and Slovakia in terms of mortality from malignant neoplasms: Similar or opposite tendencies?
Abstract
In Europe, a steady mortality decline has been observed from the 1950s, however, Central and Eastern Europe underwent a period of stagnation or even worsening from the 1960s to 1980s. Since that time an evident mortality decline could be observed in that part of Europe too.
The aim of the study is to describe the latest development of cancer mortality in Czechia and Slovakia. These two countries have much in common, including many similar long-term trends in demographic or social indicators' development.
The study evaluates whether cancer mortality development differs in the two countries or rather follows a similar trend in the period of two decades from the mid-1990s. From the presented results it is clear that the development apparently differs namely according to sex.
The results according to selected particular causes of death (from the group of malignant neoplasms) are presented as well. Unfavorable trend of cancer mortality development was confirmed above all for Slovak females.
It could be assumed that many aspects can be improved by prevention programs or screening.