OBJECTIVE: To determine the temporal mortality trends of uterine cervi
cal cancer in Mexico for the period 1980-1990. STUDY DESIGN: In Mexico
, data from death certificates are collected in a natural repository a
t the National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics. The
se data were analyzed to obtain mortality trends, and regional variati
ons were obtained for the same period using a Poisson regression model
. RESULTS: The official mortality figure for cervical cancer for the s
tudy period was 37,982 cases. Subregistration due to misclassification
was evident, particularly in the first five years of the study period
; however, poor quality of information was proportionally distributed
quality of information was proportionally distributed across the diffe
rent age groups. A standardized analysis by quinquennia showed a stead
y mortality trend during the last 10 years, with slightly upward signi
ficant trends within some age groups (beta=0, P<.05). High regional va
riations in cervical cancer mortality risks were found using a Poisson
regression model. Twenty-four states in Mexico showed an increased mo
rtality risk when compared with Mexico City; seven states showed a ste
ady or downward trend. CONCLUSION: The results show the ineffectivenes
s of the cancer screening program, underscoring the need to ensure acc
ess to and the quality of the cervical cancer screening program in ord
er to decrease mortality rates.