Coitus-related cervical cancer risk factors: trends and differentials in racial and religious groups

Data from nationally representative surveys conducted in 1965 and 1976 are presented which describe differences between women of different religious and racial groups with respect to the prevalence of primary marriage and use of barrier methods of contraception. These practices were significantly less likely among Black women and significantly more likely among Jewish women than among comparison groups, which is consistent with the hypothesis that cervical cancer risk is related to coital behaviors.