Racial differences in cervical cancer mortality in Chicago.

Racial differences in cervical cancer mortality in Chicago were examined. Age-adjusted mortality in Blacks (10.0/100,000) was over twice the rate found in Whites (4.6/100,000). Age-specific rates also showed significant excess mortality among Blacks. After stratification by a group-level defined poverty indicator, the race differential in age-adjusted rates remained significant. The race differential in age-specific rates diminished in the group with more than 30% living below the national poverty level, in contrast to the group with 30% or fewer living below the national poverty level, in whom race differences were more marked. Methodological issues concerning hysterectomy prevalence, Hispanic ethnicity, and social class must be considered with respect to interpretation of these findings.