Cervical cancer mortality among foreign-born women living in the United States, 1985 to 1996

Purpose of study: This study explored the potential influence of increasing immigration to the United States (US) on US cervical cancer mortality trends. Basic procedures: Mortality data were derived from the National Center for Health Statistics’ Detailed Mortality File. Population estimates were obtained from the US Bureau of the Census. Age-adjusted cervical cancer mortality rates were calculated for women living in the US according to place of birth. Main findings: From 1985 to 1996, deaths and death rates from cervical cancer increased for foreign-born women and decreased for US-born women. Increases in death rates among foreign-born women were highest in the South. Cervical cancer deaths and death rates for US-born women decreased uniformly in all regions. Principle conclusions: Cervical cancer mortality rates have increased among foreign-born women in the United States, and have influenced overall US cervical cancer mortality trends. Cervical cancer control efforts should be intensified in areas of the United States with large foreign-born communities.