Stomach cancer mortality in New South Wales and Sydney, 1980 to 1985

Unit list mortality data for the period 1980-1985 are used to examine differential mortality from stomach cancer in New South Wales, with reference to age, marital status, occupational status and birthplace, and geographical variations in mortality in metropolitan Sydney. Ecological correlation and analysis of characteristics of persons dying in areas of high mortality in Sydney are undertaken to determine where populations at risk reside and whether different populations at risk inhabit particular areas, resulting in significantly higher mortality. This was found to be the case in certain areas and it appears that the immigrant population contributed considerably to mortality variation. The implications for health service provision and preventive measures are discussed.