Years of life lost due to malignant neoplasms of the digestive system in Poland in the years 2000–2014

Abstract

Background: Every fourth death that occurs in Poland is caused by a malignant neoplasm. A particularly negative epidemiological situation relates to colorectal cancers; in 2015 they constituted the fifth most important cause of years of life lost (YLL) in Poland. Objective: We aimed to analyse YLL due to malignant neoplasms of the digestive system in Poland in between 2000 and 2014. Methods: The study material included a database containing information gathered from 5,601,568 death certificates of Poles who died in 2000–2014. YLLs were calculated with the use of the standard expected years of life lost index (SEYLL). Results: In the 15-year study period, malignant neoplasms of the digestive system contributed to 213,041 deaths in males and 177,644 deaths in females, which corresponded to a loss of 158.6 years per 10,000 men and 105.3 years per 10,000 women. Neoplasms of the large intestine (23.6%), stomach (22.0%) and pancreas (17.4%) contributed the most. A time trend analysis revealed (p < 0.05) a growing tendency of YLLs due to neoplasms of the large intestine and pancreas, and a decreasing trend due to neoplasms of the stomach. Conclusion: Malignant neoplasms of the digestive system, especially of the large intestine, are becoming a more common cause of premature mortality in Poland.