Abstract

Objective: To analyse the Chilean trends in mortality from brain malignancies between 1985 and 1999. Methods: We calculated mortality rates from malignant brain tumors using data obtained from death certificates available at the National Statistics Office. The following International Classification of Diseases categories were selected: 191.0 to 191.9 (ICD-9), and C71.0 to C71.9 (ICD-10). The rates were adjusted using direct standardization. Prais-Winsten methodology was used for time correlation analysis. Results: Sex-specific rates varied from 0.9 to 1.75 per 100.000 in men and from 0.7 to 1.22 in women. The trend was toward a statistically significant increase in mortality from malignant brain tumors in both groups. The analysis by age group showed no statistically significant variation in those below 35 years old, and a statistically significant increase in those between 35 and 39 years old, and in those above 45 years old. Conclusions: The trend in mortality from malignant brain tumors, in Chile, shows a statistically significant increase in those between 35 and 39 years old, and in those above 45 years old