Background and purpose: Zhongshan City is one of the areas with the highest NPC incidence worldwide and nationwide. Although its incidence rate had been analyzed thoroughly

but its mortality rate was not studied further until now. This study was to explore NPC mortality status in Zhongshan City from 1970 to 2010

and to provide scientific information for its control and prevention. Methods: NPC death data in Zhongshan City from 1970 to 2010 came from Zhongshan Cancer Registry Office. Such indices as its death number

crude rate

age standardized rate (ASR) and truncated rate etc were calculated and analyzed. Results: There were 5 267 NPC death cases in Zhongshan City from 1970 to 2010

its crude world ASR and truncated rates were 11.03/105

12.34/105 and 29.31/105 respectively. Its world ASRs increased before 1999 but no statistical significance (P=0.64) and decreased thereafter with obvious statistical significance (P=0.001). But overall

there were a decreasing trend for its ASRs (P=0.001) from 1970 to 2010 in Zhongshan City. Moreover

NPC mortality rate in male was remarkably higher than in female

the death peak age was 55-59 age group

and the different age groups were with different trends fro 1970 to 2010. Conclusion: Although with declining trend from 1970 to 2010

NPC mortality rate in Zhongshan City was at high level worldwide. It suggested that NPC control and prevention should be enhanced.