A Large Sample Study of the Life Table and Product Limit Estimates Under Random Censorship

Abstract

Using the model of random censorship, a necessary and sufficient condition for the consistency of the standard (actuarial) life table estimate of a survival distribution is derived. We establish the asymptotic normality of this estimate, showing that Greenwood's variance formula is nearly correct. In the case of a continuous survival distribution we establish limiting normality for the product limit estimate and for the closely related cumulative hazard process. Some applications of these results are outlined.