Demographic predictors of false negative self-reported tobacco use status in an insurance applicant population.

Objectives: To identify and quantify demographic correlates of false-negative self-reporting of tobacco use in life insurance applicants.

Background: Several studies have assessed the sensitivity of self-reporting for tobacco use in various populations, but statistical examination of the causes of misreporting has been rarer. The very large (488,000 confirmed tobacco users) sample size, US-wide geographic scope, and unique incentive structure of the life insurance application process permit more robust and insurance industry-specific results in this study.

Laboratory and biometric predictors of cancer-related mortality in an insured population.

Objectives: Identification of statistically significant laboratory and biometric predictors of cancer-related mortality among insured individuals.

Background: Numerous clinical studies have identified correlations between various laboratory results and physical measurements and cancer risk, often of a uni-variate nature. A study of life insurance claims has permitted a broad multivariate analysis of laboratory and biometric risk factors for cancer mortality in an insured population.