Learn more about Cervical Cancer screenings and how you can take charge of your health with early detection measures.
By: Kimberly McCargo and Salita DeMary
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that cervical cancer remains a public health problem?
Nearly 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screenings. Early detection through regular screening is crucial for effective treatment and improved survival rates. Cervical cancer screening primarily involves the Papanicolaou (Pap) test and, for certain age groups, the human papillomavirus (HPV) test. These screenings can detect precancerous changes and early-stage cancers, facilitating timely intervention. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) makes the following recommendations:
- Women aged 21 to 29: Pap test every three years.
- Women aged 30 to 65:
- Pap test every three years, or
- HPV test every five years, or
- Co-testing (Pap and HPV tests) every five years.
Adherence to these guidelines has been shown to reduce both the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer.
In New Jersey, the overall percentage of women aged 21-65 who have undergone cervical cancer screening is approximately 82.7%, however, disparities exist across different counties with Cape May County at 78.9% and Cumberland County at 81.1%. These figures indicate that certain counties fall below the state average, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
Cervical Cancer Incidence Rates
The incidence of late-stage cervical cancer also varies by county:
- Cape May County: Age-adjusted incidence rate of 4.9 per 100,000 women, with 76.2% of cases diagnosed at a late stage.
- Cumberland County: Age-adjusted incidence rate of 6.9 per 100,000 women, with 65.9% of cases diagnosed at a late stage.
These statistics underscore the critical need for enhanced screening efforts, particularly in counties with higher incidence rates and late-stage diagnoses.
Barriers to Screening
Several factors contribute to suboptimal screening rates, including:
- Lack of transportation
- Inability to pay for services
- Lack of health insurance
- Low resource knowledge
- Lack of available providers
- Low income/poverty
- High unemployment rate
- Lack of mental health services
Addressing these barriers is essential to improve screening uptake and reducing cervical cancer incidence and mortality.
Conclusion
Cervical cancer screening is a vital preventive measure that can significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer. The data from Cumberland and Cape May counties reveal areas where screening rates are below the state average and where late-stage diagnoses are prevalent. Targeted public health initiatives that address specific barriers to screening in these communities are imperative to enhance early detection and improve health outcomes.
For more information on how you can schedule your preventative health screenings, or to learn more about CompleteCare Health Network’s Women’s Health services, please visit CompleteCareNJ.org or call 1(856) 451-4700 today!
References
- New Jersey Department of Health. Self-Reported Cervical Cancer Screening by County.
- State Cancer Profiles. Incidence Rate Report for New Jersey by County.
- Rutgers Center for State Health Policy. Trends in Cancer Screening among Medicaid Enrollees in New Jersey: 2011–2017.
- American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. The Cancer Burden in New Jersey.
- Cape May County Department of Health. Cancer Incidence and Mortality.