Uterine-Cancer Morbidity in New York City and Its Relation to the Pattern of Regional Variation Within the United States

Abstract

The results of a New York City uterine-cancer morbidity survey are presented. Cervical- and corpus-cancer incidence rates were computed, taking into account age, race, ethnic group, and histologic type. Wide variation in incidence among racial and ethnic groups was noted for cervical cancer but not for corpus cancer. Jewish women had very low cervical-cancer rates. The New York City results were generally consistent with observations reported from other Northern areas of the United States. The collective findings of morbidity surveys and related studies within the United States point to a regional difference in cervical cancer but not in corpus cancer, the cervical rates being higher for white women in the South. Several characteristics known to be associated with cervical cancer—marital status, age at marriage, child-bearing history, socioeconomic status, circumcision of husband, and syphilis—could account for part, but not all, of the regional difference.