Cervical Cancer Trends in the Toplica District

Cervical cancer is the third most common malignant neoplasm in women. It is also the fourth cause of death in women amongst malignant neoplasms in the Toplica District. The aim of the paper was to show the most important epidemiological characteristics of cervical cancer and to analyze its incidence and mortality trends during the period 1999-2012. Data on cancer for Toplica District were obtained in the Public Health Institute Nis. Descriptive epidemiological method was used. Crude rates were calculated per 100.000 inhabitants (Census 2002). During the study period, there were 230 newly diagnosed women, out of which 84 died due to cervical cancer. The average age of women who were diagnosed with cancer was 58.9 years. The average age of deceased women was 60.6 years. The average annual crude incidence rate was 32.12 and mortality rate was 11.74. Cervical cancer incidence rates decreased while mortality rates showed a slight increase. The highest incidence rate was in the municipality of Prokuplje (25.45) and the highest mortality rate was in the municipality of Kursumlija (8.11). The lowest incidence rate was in the municipality of Blace (16.15) and the lowest mortality rate in the municipality of Zitorada (6.01). Cervical cancer is an important sociomedical problem amongst women during their reproductive period. Efficient implementation of primary and secondary preventive measures may lead to a reduction in the incidence and mortality rates due to this cancer.