The Gap in Digestive Organ Cancers in Inner Mongolia, 2009–2012

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of digestive organ cancer mortality and the potential years of life lost in Inner Mongolia, and to provide evidence for the prevention of digestive organ cancers. METHODS Using data from the Death Registry System from 2009 to 2012, we classified male and female cancer deaths according to the International Classification of Disease (10th revision). The mortality and potential years of life lost were calculated for digestive organ cancers in Inner Mongolia. The average years of life lost was calculated. RESULTS Digestive organ cancer mortality in Inner Mongolia was higher in men than in women. The potential years of life lost were also much higher in men than in women. Gallbladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal, anus, and anal canal cancer were the most prominent contributors to mortality. Esophageal cancer was the most prominent contributor to potential years of life lost, and was the leading cause of average years of life lost in both sexes. CONCLUSION Liver cancer and stomach cancer mortality and the potential years of life lost to liver and stomach cancer are demonstrably higher in Inner Mongolia. Although esophageal cancer mortality was not the highest of the digestive organ cancers, the average years of life lost to esophageal was the highest for both sexes, and it should therefore be targeted for prevention.