Cancer mortality among Alaskan natives, 1960-69

Abstract

During 1960-69, 321 reported deaths among Alaskan natives (Eskimos, Indians, and Aleuts) were attributed to cancer. This number is not significantly different from the cancer mortality of U.S. Caucasians during this period, but is significantly higher than that of U.S. Indians. The mortality of Alaskan natives from cancers of the nasopharynx, esophagus, kidneys, and salivary glands was significantly increased. Among Alaskan Caucasians, only nasopharyngeal cancer was in excess in both sexes. Deficits in mortality among Alaskan Caucasians for cancers of other sites may be attributable, at least in part, to selection factors associated with the migration of healthy workers into the State.