Some epidemiologic variables in ovarian carcinoma.

THE age-adjusted mortality rate from carcinoma of the ovary (primary) ( 175, International Classification of Diseases, 1955 revision) in the United States has increased from 3.1 to 7.6 per 100,000 population for the years 1930-67, partially because of improved diagnostic facilities and increased awareness of the disease (1, 2). The end results data of the National Cancer Institute show that the 5-year survival rate has increased from approximately 24 percent for 1940-49 to 30 percent for 1955-59 for all stages (3, 4). Thus, despite a slight increase in relative survival rates, ovarian cancer mortality continues to rise. This rise must mean that