CERVICAL-CANCER - INCIDENCE AND SURVIVAL IN MIGRANTS WITHIN SPAIN

Study objective - This study examined the incidence of cervical cancer and survival rates according to migrant experience of women from diff erent regions of Spain to Girona, Catalonia (Spain). Design - Using da ta from the population based cancer registry of Girona for the period 1980-89, crude and age adjusted incidence rates were calculated for lo cal-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. Main results - The incidence of cervical canc er was significantly higher in first generation Spanish migrants compa red with locally born women (SRR: 2.02; 95% CI 1.40:2.92). The stage a t 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 re gions show a twofold excess in the incidence of cervical cancer compar ed 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.