A Review of Cervical Cancer: Incidence and Disparities

Abstract

BackgroundCervical 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. ObjectiveThis review will outline the overall incidence of cervical cancer and discuss the causes for disparities in its incidence and mortality rates. MethodsA 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. ResultsRacial 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. ConclusionsBy 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.