This Table compares the crude and relative survival piecewise estimates of the hazard ratios (HR) associated with age.

In the two models, the impact of age is very important during the first month after diagnosis (probably due to the influence of age on the post-surgical mortality). But there is an important difference between the estimates obtained with the two models after two years since diagnosis: The impact of age increases with Moreau’s model although a slight decrease tendency is observed with the relative survival analysis as shown in this figure. The lack of increase in hazard with larger follow-up may be explained by the relative survival approach accounting for the natural mortality in the source population. On the clinical point of view, it is important to be aware that the risk of death for elderly patients is higher only on the post-surgical time, what should be taken into account for therapeutics choices.