Cancer mortality in the Republic of San Marino

Abstract

The Republic of San Marino (RSM) is a small independent nation on the Italian peninsula located within the Emilia-Romagna region near the Adriatic sea. The population in 1980 was 21500. Until 1950 the economy was essentially based on agriculture, but since 1950 there has been a noticeable development of tourism. Traditions and ancient laws have increased the isolation of people living in the RSM and the population still shows characteristics of 'genetic segregation'. In 1949 Suzzi-Valli noted the possible relationship between this phenomenon and mortality rates for neoplasms.' Well-organized health services and the small population made possible a careful statistical recording of causes of death in the RSM since the beginning of the century. Suzzi-Valli,' Bisbini et al,' studying cancer mortality in the RSM during the periods 1908 to 1947 and 1948 to 1965 respectively, found high crude mortality rates for all neoplasms and stomach cancer as the leading cause of death. This paper reports on the cancer mortality data of the RSM for the years 1966 to 1980.