Breast and cervical cancer mortality in the Mississippi Delta, 1979-1998

Historically, the Mississippi Delta region has been medically underserved. This may lead to lower cancer prevention efforts and higher breast or cervical cancer mortality rates. Death rates for 1979 through 1998 were calculated for Mississippi Delta women and for women living elsewhere in the US. Breast cancer mortality in the Delta was similar to that elsewhere in the US in recent years for both black and white women, but rates were lower in the Delta in the early years of the study period. Overall, cervical cancer mortality was similar in the two areas but rates declined more rapidly elsewhere in the US than in the Delta. Breast and cervical cancer mortality was higher among black women than among white women in both areas. Cervical cancer mortality was higher among white rural and black urban women in the Delta than their counterparts elsewhere. These results can guide prevention activities for reducing mortality from these diseases.