Addressing Disparities in Cervical Cancer Care: Insights from Geographical Analysis

Social determinants of health, such as poverty level, race and ethnicity, and access to early-stage treatment, significantly impact cervical cancer rates across the United States, according to a geographical analysis presented at the 2024 SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. This study, discussed in Onc Live, authored by Chris Ryan, found that areas with higher poverty levels had lower screening rates and higher cervical cancer burdens, particularly in the South. The analysis also revealed racial and ethnic disparities, with increased cervical cancer burdens among Hispanic and Black patients in certain regions, while higher screening rates were associated with decreased cervical cancer burdens. Additionally, the presence of brachytherapy centers was linked to reduced recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer burdens. The findings highlight the need for targeted healthcare resource allocation and education to minimize these disparities. Read more here.