The theory of competing risks

Summary The theory of competing risks is motivated, certain aspects are reviewed critically, and some extensions are indicated. A unified formulation of the theory is given covering dependent as well as independent risks. The relations between various functions useful in the theory are made explicit. In a historical note a valuable early result is put into modern notation. The currently controversial subject of identifiability when risks are dependent is discussed and it is indicated under what conditions some of the difficulties raised can be overcome. Consequences of assuming proportional hazard rates are set out. New conditions are provided under which this assumption holds and it is shown how the assumption may be tested. Some concluding remarks deal with limitations of the theory and point out areas needing further work.