Preventable Cervical Cancer Causes Unnecessary Deaths: Investigating the Reasons Behind Its Persistent Toll
Cervical cancer remains a significant health concern for women, despite advancements that have made it less lethal in the United States. Regrettably, the number of women who have missed their cervical cancer screenings has been on the rise.
Cervical cancer is virtually preventable and treatable when identified early. Despite this, it is one of the most frequent types of cancer in women, with around 14,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the U.S., resulting in approximately 4,000 female deaths each year. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates 342,000 women develop cervical cancer annually, which equates to around two deaths every minute.
The majority of cervical cancer cases are attributed to persistent infections with high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Many strains of HPV exist, but around 70% of cervical cancer cases globally can be linked to the two high-risk types: HPV 16 and HPV 18. As a sexually transmitted infection, HPV can affect anyone who is sexually active. The good news is that the body's immune system typically clears the infection; however, if a persistent high-risk HPV infection occurs, it can lead to precancerous changes in cervical tissue.
Regular cervical cancer screenings are crucial for early detection and treatment of the disease. Because cervical cancer can take several years, even decades, to develop, and symptoms do not typically appear until the cancer has advanced or spread, routine screening is vital. A Pap smear or Pap test examines cervical cells for precancerous or cancerous changes, while the HPV test detects infections caused by high-risk HPV strains linked to cervical cancer. Depending on age and health history, a doctor may recommend one or both tests.
While regular screenings are critical for cervical cancer prevention, following up with your doctor is equally important. Reportedly, there is a breakdown in care between screening and follow-up, leading to missed opportunities for treatment. Expensive procedures such as biopsies or colposcopies, which assess cervical tissue more closely, pose financial barriers for many people, especially those without insurance. Additionally, there is a lack of access to providers, particularly in low-income communities and rural areas.
Sadly, cervical cancer disproportionately affects communities of color. Black women are less likely to be screened and have a 60% higher likelihood of dying from cervical cancer compared to other ethnicities. The stigma surrounding HPV and sexual health remains another obstacle, keeping people from getting vaccinated and regular screenings.
To prevent cervical cancer, it is recommended that individuals:
- Receive the HPV vaccine, which protects against several high-risk HPV strains and prevents over 90% of cervical cancers. The vaccine is safe and not made from a live virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccination at age 11 or 12.
- Stay up to date with Pap smears and HPV tests, depending on age and health. Screening recommendations may vary, so it's essential to discuss screening schedules with a doctor.
- Talk openly with loved ones about staying current on vaccinations and screenings. Early discussions about sexual health can help destigmatize the topic and encourage others to prioritize their health.
In conclusion, cervical cancer prevention efforts require a collective approach to address the pandemic-related disruptions, long-term declines in screening rates, financial and insurance-related barriers, and gaps in public health strategies that contribute to the rise in overdue cervical cancer screenings in the United States.
- The rising number of women who have missed their cervical cancer screenings, despite advancements that have made cervical cancer less lethal, highlights the need for improved health-and-wellness awareness and medical-conditions screenings.
- The World Health Organization estimates around two deaths every minute due to cervical cancer globally, underscoring the significant impact mental-health issues and the stigma surrounding HPV and sexual health have on women's health.
- Regular cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, are crucial for women's health in early detecting and treating cervical cancer, especially since cervical cancer can take years to develop and symptoms often do not appear until it has advanced.
- High-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases, making HPV vaccination a key element of women's health and health-and-wellness education, as it prevents over 90% of cervical cancers.
