Cervical Cancer

After decades of progress in the fight against cervical cancer, there is concerning news. While rates of cervical cancer have been steadily declining, a recent report suggests that some women are being left behind.

A Success Story with Gaps

Thanks to early detection and treatment, cervical cancer rates have fallen by more than half in the past 50 years. The introduction of HPV vaccines in 2006 has contributed to the fastest decline among women in their early 20s, who were the first to benefit from them.

Unfortunately, not all women have experienced the same progress. The overall cervical cancer rate among women of all ages has stopped declining.

The Forgotten Generation

Incidence of cervical cancer has been increasing among women in their 30s and early 40s. From 2012 to 2019, diagnoses of cervical cancer in this age group rose by almost 2% annually.

According to Jennifer Spencer, a population health expert at the Dell Medical School in Texas, this may be due to the fact that these women were too old to benefit from HPV vaccination. However, the good news is that the cancers detected in this group are mostly early and curable.

The Role of Screening

While the reasons for the increase in cervical cancer cases among certain women are not fully understood, screening rates could play a significant role. Studies have shown that a large number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer have either never been screened or have not been screened in the past five years.

Screenings are crucial in finding and removing precancerous lesions before they become cancerous. However, fewer women are keeping up with routine cervical cancer exams. The number of women adhering to screening guidelines has decreased from 87% in 2000 to 72% in recent years.

Education and Confusion

Low screening rates among women in their 20s may explain the slightly higher cervical cancer rates among women in their 30s and early 40s. Many women are unaware that they need to be screened, or their healthcare providers have not recommended it. There is clearly a need for more patient education.

Additionally, changing guidelines about cervical cancer screening have left some women and healthcare providers confused. With multiple updates in the past two decades, the guidelines are currently being reviewed once again.

Saving Lives through Awareness and Action

Cervical tumors typically develop slowly, taking a decade or more to progress from precancerous to cancerous. Factors such as lack of screening and abnormal results not being followed up with additional testing and treatment may contribute to the increase in cervical cancer rates.

The responsibility lies with the healthcare system to ensure that no one falls through the cracks. Regular screenings, awareness campaigns, patient education, and timely follow-up care are essential in the fight against cervical cancer.

For more information, please visit F5mag.com.

Source: NBC News

By f5mag

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