Abstract: Objective To investigate the mortality rate,distribution character istics,and years of life lost(YLL)of pancreatic cancer in residents of Xiamen during the period of 2002-2009 for prevention and control of the disease.Methods Based on demog raphy and death data collected through Xiamen's Disease Surveillance System,2002-2009,the mortality rate,age-standardized rate,cumulative rate,potential years of life lost(PYLL),and average years of life lost(AYLL)were calculated.Results The crude mortality rate,the age-standardized rate adjusted by Chinese population,and the cumulative rate(0-74 years old)of pancreatic cancer were 2.01/105 ,1.26/105 ,and 0.21%,respectively,from 2002 to 2009 in Xiamen,which was lower than the age standa rdized rate ad justed by Chinese population in 2006(3.35/105)(U=12.34,P<0.05).The age-standardized mortality rate was higher in urbanareas(1.56/105)than in rural areas(0.75/105) (U=3.85,P<0.05),and higher in male(1.47/105)than in female(1.04/105)(U=2.15,P<0.05).Pancreatic cancer mainly endangered the health of middle-aged and elderly people with a median mortality age of 64.5 years.The majority (68.38%)of pancreatic cancer dedths was observed in the age group of 60 years and older.The PYLL of pancreatic cancer was 2912.5 years and AYLL was 11.5 years.The PYLL and AYLL of pancreatic cancer were h igher in male(1807.5 and 12.2 years,respectively)than in female(1105.0 and 10.5 years,respectively).The PYLL was higher in urban areas (2157.5 years)than in rural areas(755.0 years)and the AYLL was lower in urban areas(11.0 years)than in rural areas (13.5 years).Conclusion The mortality of pancreatic cancer in residents of Xiamen is lower than that of in total Chinese population and mainly endangers the health of middle aged and elderly people.Years of life lost induced by pancreatic cancer is heavier in the male and in the urban areas.