The epidemiology of carcinoma of the cervix is still unclear. It is known that the incidence of the disease is greater in Negroes, Southern whites, lowincome classes, and in married, as opposed to single, women.1 There is a low incidence rate in Jews.2, 3 A definite association with syphilis has been demonstrated,4-8 and the incidence is apparently very high in prostitutes.8 The disease, on the other hand, is reported to be almost nonexistent in nuns.9, 10 There is a significant association with early marriage, although the strength of this association varies in different series.5-7,11-13
Conflicting findings have been reported on the role of such factors as number of pregnancies,6, 11, 12, 14 incidence of separation and divorce,7, 11 douching with coal tar derivatives,6,7, 11 and circumcision of husband.6,7 Multiple marriages and early coitus have been reported in one study