The problem of modelling the joint distribution of survival times in a competing risks model, using copula functions, is considered. In order to evaluate this joint distribution and the related overall survival function, a system of non-linear differential equations is solved, which relates the...

The dependent competing risks model of human mortality is considered, assuming that the dependence between lifetimes is modelled by a multivariate copula function. The effect on the overall survival of removing one or more causes of death is explored under two alternative definitions of removal,...