Geographic trends in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Kentucky, 1995-2000.

BACKGROUND

Kentucky's elevated cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates are well documented. However, in Kentucky, as in the United States as a whole, cervical cancer incidence and mortality have been decreasing.

METHODS

To determine if the incidence and mortality declines in Kentucky are similar in different geographic regions of the state, incidence and mortality data for the six-year period 1995-2000 were analyzed by five geographic subdivisions.

RESULTS

Overall, both incidence and mortality rates declined during the six-year period; however, there were variations in the decline by geographic subdivisions. In 1995-2000, the greatest percentage decrease (43%) in incidence rates among the geographic subdivisions occurred in Fayette/Jefferson counties while their mortality rates increased (12%). Conversely, the Appalachian region of the state had a lower percentage decrease (11%) in incidence with a concurrent percentage decrease in mortality (45%).

CONCLUSIONS

Intensified screening efforts may have resulted in increased detection of early stage cervical disease; which provided a subsequent reduction in mortality for the Appalachian region of the state, while Fayette/Jefferson County has a mortality rate that slopes upward necessitating additional investigation.