A Comparative Study of Health Disparities in Cervical Cancer Mortality Rates Through Time Between Black and Caucasian Women in Alabama and the US

Abstract

Background: The main purpose of this study was to assess changes in cervical cancer mortality rates through time between Black and Caucasian women residing in Alabama and the US. Methods: Alabama cervical cancer mortality rates (MR), percentage differences, percentage changes and annual percentage changes for trends were compared with the US baseline and target rates. The US Baseline data and target objectives of utilization of cervical cancer screening and MR were obtained from Healthy People 2020. The cervical cancer behavioral risk factors and utilization of screening tests data were obtained from CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The cervical cancer MR data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER). The analysis was done using SEER*Stat and Linear Trendlines analysis. Results: Although Blacks in Alabama had higher cervical cancer MR through times, a decreasing trend was noted for both races. However, in Alabama, there is no significant change in Blacks aged 65 years and older in cervical cancer MR, despite a high screening rate compared to Whites. In contrast, between 2002 and 2012, Whites in Alabama and the US made a significant progress toward the Healthy People 2020 goal. Conclusions: In Alabama, there exists cervical cancer MR disparity in Blacks despite the higher rates of screening for cervical cancer as would otherwise be expected. The state has not yet achieved the Healthy People 2020 goal. Public health officials should monitor progress toward reduction and/or elimination of these disparities by focusing in a follow up of screening.