Mortality from cervical cancer in Serbia in the period 1991-2011

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze trends of death rates for cervical cancer (CC) on territory of The Re-public of Serbia in the period 1991-2011. Methods: In this descriptive epidemiological study, unpublished data of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia were used for the analysis of mortality due to CC among women in Serbia, from 1991 to 2Oil. Three different types of rates were calculated: crude, age-specific and age-adjusted rates. The age-standardized rates were calculated by the direct method of standardization using the World Standard Population as standard. The trends were assessed by joinpoint linear regression analysis. An average annual percentage change (AAPC) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed for screening programs has dramatically reduced the mortality rates of CC [3]. Based on the information presented by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2012, Serbia is in the third place for the mortality, after Romania and Moldova [4]. According to unpublished data of the Cancer Registry of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut", in 2011, the CC standardized mortality rate was 6.9 per 100,000 women [5]. With contribution of 5.5% in central trends. Results: The average age-standardized CC mortality rate (ASCCMR) was 7.03 per 100,000. The lowest value of the ASCCMR was at the beginning of the observed period (6.05 per 100,000) and the highest was 8.17 per 100,000 in 2008. The age-adjusted CC mortality rates have been continuously and significantly increasing (AAPC=+0.7, 95% CI=0.3- 1.1, p<0.05). In all age groups we found increasing trends, except in the age group of 65-74 years. Conclusion: Since ASCCMR has been steadily increasing during the period observed, reducing these rates is highly warranted. To achieve this target, an organized CC screening program is essential.