Trends in late-stage breast and cervical cancer incidence rates in Connecticut (United States)

Objective: This study examined the temporal trend in late-stage incidence rates for breast and cervical cancer in Connecticut, where a statewide screening program (targeted to poor or uninsured women) began in late 1995. Methods: Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) for late-stage breast and cervical cancer in Connecticut were analyzed prior to (1988–1991 and 1992–1995) and during (1996–1999) operation of a statewide screening program for lower-income or uninsured women. Results: ASIRs for late-stage cancer declined from the 1988–1991 to 1992–1995, including a reversal in the black–white difference in late-stage breast cancer, while declines from 1992–1995 to 1996–1999 were largely limited to cervical cancer among African American (black) women. Conclusions: Little progress was evident toward reducing late-stage ASIRs in the 1990s, but continued surveillance is needed to determine if declines in black–white disparities in late-stage cervical cancer ASIRs continue, and to further assess the impact of a statewide screening program.