[Analysis of mortality time trend using generalized linear models].

In this work it is shown how generalized linear models allow one to describe different patterns of temporary evolution of mortality data, while at the same time allow for an easy interpretation. As a practical application, the evolution of the female breast cancer mortality in Catalonia from 1986 to 2000 is analyzed. Remarkably, the mortality from breast cancer first increases and then decreases for all age groups. Moreover, the year in which the cancer rate starts decreasing is more recent in the older age groups.