[Cervical cancer: recent trends of incidence and mortality in Lithuania].

Time trends of the cervical cancer in Lithuanian population were analysed. Changes in age standardised cancer incidence rates (World standard) in Lithuania were analysed between 1978 and 1999. Incidence rates were calculated by periods--1978-1982, 1983-1987, 1988-1992, 1993-1997 and 1998-1999. Incidence was analysed among 15-34, 35-49, 50-64, 65-74 and 75+ age groups. From 1978-1982 cervical cancer incidence decreased from 15.4 to 12.9 per 100,000 in 1993-1997. Increase was observed from 1993-1997 up to 17.4 per 100,000 in 1998-1999. In 1998-1999 only 49.2 of all cervical cancer cases were diagnosed at stages I and II. During 1978-1992 cervical cancer mortality rates were not decreasing despite the reduction of incidence (6.8, 7.0 and 6.8 cases per 100,000 in 1978-1982, 1983-1987 and 1988-1992 respectively). Starting from 1993 the increasing number of new incidence cases is being registered, but mortality rates are not subjected to changes (7.6 and 7.7 cases per 100,000 in 1993-1997 and 1998-1999 metais respectively). The higher increasing rates in incidence and mortality were observed among women below 50 years. The causes of increase of cervical cancer incidence are demanding detailed studies. The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer can be reduced by the implementation of national-wide screening program for cervical cancer.