OCCUPATION AND CERVICAL-CANCER - AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PREVENTION

Cervical cancer remains an important health problem for women. Few-pub lished studies have examined cervical cancer with respect to a woman's occupation. This study examines the association of cervical cancer mo rtality and occupation in a large national database. The purpose of th e study is to recommend,which occupations may most require health prom otion activities. Mortality data from the National Occupational Mortal ity Surveillance System were used to calculate the proportion of death s from cervical cancer according to occupation. This study is based on standardized death certificate data for almost 2 million deaths among women in 27 states, covering the period 1985-1990. Our results are co nsistent with those in previous studies, with service and apparel manu facturing workers showing elevated risk. Data presented show a differe nce in cervical cancer mortality by occupational group. Identification of these occupations suggests which women could be targeted for preve ntive services. Women in occupations with low socioeconomic status are less likely to have access to health promotion programs. Resources sh ould be directed to these women.