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.