Abstract

Author(s):   Martin LM, Parker SL, Wingo PA, Heath CW, Jr.

Title:   Cervical cancer incidence and screening: status report on women in the United States

Journal:   Cancer Pract

Date:   1996 May

Abstract:   PURPOSE: Population-based estimates of cervical cancer incidence and screening are described. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY: Data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results and from the 1992 National Health Interview Survey Cancer Control Supplement were used to examine differences in disease rates, stage at diagnosis, and screening practices among population groups. RESULTS: The overall age-adjusted incidence rate for invasive cervical cancer was 8.5 per 100,000 women in 1988-1992. Rates for black women were 66% higher than those for white women. At the youngest ages, rates were similar for both races--about 2.0 per 100,000. At older ages, rates diverged, increasing to 17.2 for white women ages 60 to 64 and 47.0 for black women aged 85 and older. Most cervical cancers were diagnosed at the localized stage, and older women and minority women were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage disease. Almost 25% of women reported they had not had a Papanicolaou smear test within the past 3 years. Among women younger than 45, whites were more likely than blacks not to have been screened. Among black women, there were regional differences in the use of Papanicolaou test, with those who lived in the South most likely not to be screened. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although rates for some groups appear to be converging, disparities still exist. Targeted approaches to screening, follow-up, and treatment are necessary to ensure that trends in cervical cancer incidence continue to improve

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