NYMC Faculty Publications

A Review of Cervical Cancer: Incidence and Disparities

DOI

10.1016/j.jnma.2020.03.002

Journal Title

Journal of the National Medical Association

First Page

229

Last Page

232

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2020

Department

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer amongst women worldwide. In the United States, its incidence and mortality have been declining due to the wide scale implementation of cytological screening programs. However, there have been geographic disparities in cervical cancer, particularly in the US.

OBJECTIVE: This review will outline the overall incidence of cervical cancer and discuss the causes for disparities in its incidence and mortality rates.

METHODS: A literature review was performed from 1999 to 2020 of English language manuscripts on the incidence and reasons for disparities in mortality rates of cervical cancer.

RESULTS: Racial and ethnic minorities, socioeconomically disenfranchised, and those in rural areas have disparate rates of vaccination, screening and treatment of cervical cancer, leading to worse outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: By addressing these disparities via increased education, access to care, and the expansion of screening and vaccination programs, reductions in cervical cancer incidence and mortality may be achieved.

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