[Mortality of malignant neoplasms of the uterus. An epidemiologic study]

In the Federal Republic in 1952 5204 cases of death by cancer of the uterus were officially reported, i.e. 20.2 per 100,000. Up to 1985, after an increase to 1967, the figures constantly have decreased to 4706 and 14.8 respectively. Of all cancer deaths in 1952 11.1 percent were that of the uterus, in 1985 only 5.8 percent. The evaluation is hampered by the existence of different statistical groups, particularly by that for cases with unspecified site. In 1985 this groups still comprised 33.7 percent of all registered cases of death by uterine cancer. But irrespectively of this special problem mortality of cancer of the cervix as well as of the corpus uteri has declined, starting already before 1971, the year in which the official cancer screening programme became effective. And for cancer of the corpus uteri the impact of screening is negligible thus the decline cannot be alone the result of screening. The decline in mortality was most impressive in younger women up to 49 years, not in the older age groups and the maximum was observed now above 90 years. Thus participation in the screening programme by elder women should be intensified. Even allowance for hysterectomies cannot influence seriously the favourable trend for mortality of cancer of the uterus, but the rank order for all female malignancies is still no. 6, after breast, colon, stomach, all unspecified sites, ovar. If there is no cancer registry with exact figures for incidence this can be estimated being about three times higher than mortality.