The Incidence of Female Reproductive Cancer in Virginia (1990-1996): An Examination of Ovarian Cancer, Cervical Cancer and Uterine Cancer

Erika Massenburg

Background. Cancer is the second leading cause of death among all persons in the United States. Female cancer is an area that has gained recent mainstream attention, yet many women lack accurate knowledge concerning female reproductive cancers. 

Purpose. This paper examines the burden of cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer among Virginia women. 

Methods. The Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Cancer Registry, provided non-confidential incidence cancer data for females diagnosed with ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and/or cervical cancer between 1990 and 1996. Incidence rates, rate ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and evaluated using Epi Info and Excel. 

Results. Invasive cervical cancer is not being effectively controlled in Virginia. Virginia also needs more effective ovarian cancer and uterine cancer prevention programs. 

Conclusions. Pittsylvania/Danville is a district that needs to consider conducting extensive research on ovarian cancer. Virginia should consider re-evaluating current information and educational tools cornering reproductive cancer, primarily in the black population.