Abstract B22: Geographic, socioeconomic, and temporal variations of breast and cervical cancer mortality rates in Mexico

Objectives: To compare mortality rates for cervical and breast cancer by state and to compare their trends over time.

Methods: We downloaded 2000–2005 mortality statistics and each year's mid-point population size by sex and age group from INEGI and CONAPO. Annual mortality rates for breast and cervical cancer were calculated by state. National and statewide breast and cervical cancer trends were graphed over time and mortality rates for 2005 were compared to the national marginalization index for each state.

Results: Over this period, cervical cancer mortality rates decreased by 0.541/100,000 women per year and breast cancer mortality rates increased by 0.120/100,000 women per year. All states had decreasing rates of cervical cancer, but patterns varied across states for breast cancer. In general, the more marginalized a state was (higher proportions of low SES), the lower the rates of breast cancer and the higher the rates of cervical cancer were.

Conclusions: As rates of cervical cancer mortality decrease in Mexico, breast cancer rates are increasing. This change could be due to the changing economy of Mexico (less marginalization nationwide), to increased screening, or to increased life expectancy. More research regarding causes of the increasing mortality of breast cancer in Mexico is needed.