Cervical cancer: incidence and survival in migrants within Spain.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the incidence of cervical cancer and survival rates according to migrant experience of women from different regions of Spain to Girona, Catalonia (Spain).


METHODS
Using data from the population based cancer registry of Girona for the period 1980-89, crude and age adjusted incidence rates were calculated for local-born and first generation migrants from other Spanish regions. The age standardised rate ratio (SRR) was calculated and Cox's regression model was used to adjust survival according to migrant status for age and stage at diagnosis.


RESULTS
The incidence of cervical cancer was significantly higher in first generation Spanish migrants compared with locally born women (SRR: 2.02; 95% CI 1.40:2.92). The stage at diagnosis was more advanced among migrants. Survival probability was significantly associated with stage at diagnosis, but age and region of birth were not.


CONCLUSIONS
Migrants from the southern Spanish regions show a twofold excess in the incidence of cervical cancer compared with the Girona-born female population. Cases of cervical cancer in migrants are diagnosed at a more advanced stage and as a consequence have a poorer prognosis.
Borràs
J M
JM
Department of Health and Social Security, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
Sánchez
V
V
Moreno
V
V
Izquierdo
A
A
Viladiu
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D016019:Survival Analysis; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality