Fluoridation and cancer age dependence of cancer mortality related to artificial fluoridation

Abstract

Data indicating a more rapid increase in cancer death rate in fluoridated than in nonfluoridated cities were analyzed to determine to what extent the net increase observed in fluoridated cities could be attributed to age, race or sex. Between 1952-1969, no significant fluoridation-linked increase in cancer death rate could be observed in populations 0-24 and 25-44 yr of age. In populations 45-64 yr of age, a fluoridation-linked increase in cancer death rate of 15/100,000 population was observed (P < .02); in populations 65+ yr of age, an increase of 35/100,000 was observed (P < .05). The fluoridation-linked increase in cancer death rate could not be ascribed to changes in the racial or sex compositions of the fluoridated and nonfluoridated populations.