The two study cohorts are located in different Federal States of Germany. The Saarland cohort provides information on cancer incidence and mortality of the Aussiedler, whereas the North Rhine Westphalian cohort provides information on mortality only. Aussiedler are exposed to different kinds of risk factors in different times of their lives. Before migration they are exposed to risk factors in their countries of origin, which have different disease patterns than Germany. Later, the Aussiedler are exposed to the migration process itself which can cause mental stress and, finally, they are exposed to the German pattern of risk factors
