In the October editorial, How much of the decrease in cancer death rates in the United States is attributable to reductions in tobacco smoking? (Tobacco Control 2006;15:345–7) an error has occurred in the table. The observed death rate from all cancers combined among women in 1991 was 175.3 per 100 000 (not 17303). The percentage decrease in the death rate from 1991 to 2003 was -8.4% (not -8.5%). The journal apologises for this error.