Differences in cancer incidence between men and women in the province of Québec, Canada, 1984–1993

This research concerns variation in incidence rates of cancer for males and females aged 35 to 69 in Québec for the period 1984 to 1993. In analysing the data, the Island of Montréal (health region 06) was distinguished from the rest of the province of Québec (excluding Nunavik and the James Bay regions). Relative rate index and the ratio of standardised incidence rates of cancer for males and females showed similar tendencies in all regions studied, with the risk of non–sex‐specific cancer higher in men than in women (excess ranged from 5 or 20 to 240 percent according to the study region). However, this higher risk was not consistent across lifespan and cancer site in the Montréal area. We suggest some general points that could explain the differences in cancer incidence between males and females.     

Caractéristiques Physico-Chimiques De L'Eau Potable et la Mortalité Ischémique Du Cœeur: Application Aux Municipalités Des Cantons De L'est (Québec)

L'auteur montre que contrairement aux études dans ce domaine la dureté totale de l'eau potable ne semble pas influencer la mortalité ischémique du cœeur. Cette relation est examinée selon que la localisation géographique des municipalités des Cantons de l'Est ob-servées se trouve sur un gîte calcaire, selon l'origine de I'approvisionnement en eau potable. Les résultats montrent que les composantes physico-chimiques telles que le calcium et le magnésium peuvent dans des cas précis étre déterminants. L'emploi de données socio-économiques (l'âge du logement, le revenu, par exemple) apparaît plus probant.
Contrary to the results of other studies, the total hardness of drinking water does not seem to influence the death rate from ischaemic heart trouble in the Eastern Townships. This conclusion is based on an analysis of mortality rates in relation to the origin of domestic water supplies and location on sources of calcium. Although the results show that the physico-chemical components, such as calcium or magnesium, can be determined in certain cases, socio-economic variables, such as housing age or income, seem more significant.