Introduction - The objective of this study is to present observed data on cancer deaths in the French West Indies and their trends between 1983 and 2002, in comparison with the situation in mainland France. Method - The analysis is based on the national cause-of-death database provided by Inserm’s CépiDc. The indicators used are age-standardized mortality rates per 100,000 person-years for all ages and for those under 65 years of age. They were calculated by five-year periods. Results - For the period 1983–2002, cancer deaths were generally higher in mainland France than in the French West Indies. Among men, deaths from prostate and stomach cancer are twice as common in the French West Indies as in mainland France, while deaths from colorectal and lung cancer are three times less common. Among women, the differences between the French West Indies and mainland France are less pronounced. Deaths from breast cancer, although less frequent in the Antilles, are the leading cause of cancer deaths. Between the periods 1983–1987 and 1998–2002, deaths from cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract and stomach among men decreased in both the Antilles and mainland France. Discussion-Conclusion - These data highlight the main characteristics specific to the Antilles. They provide valuable insights for policymakers regarding cancer deaths in Guadeloupe and Martinique, at a time when the question of strengthening surveillance in these departments is being raised. (R.A.)