Cervical cancer and vital statistics.

Records of cervical cancer mortality in vital statistics have been so affected by differences in diagnosis, certification, compilation and presentation that they are not suitable for time and place comparisons. Records of combined mortality charged to cervical cancer, other uterine cancer and cancer of other genital organs have been less affected. These records from different places show declines which do not appear to be correlated with control programs but, in recent years, have brought the rates from places cited into agreement. Reductions in reported cases of cervical cancer following screening for and treatment of carcinoma in situ have stimulated interest. However, the uncertainty in the mortality records and in understanding of cervical cancer and its relationship to carcinoma in situ, agreement in recent mortality rates despite diversity of sources, and other pertinent considerations cast doubt on the significance of such reductions.