US cervical cancer screening rates climbed from 2019 to 2024
Cervical cancer screening rates across the United States climbed between 2019 and 2024, but those gains did not reach every demographic group equally. While Hispanic patients experienced the largest increase in screening uptake over the five-year period, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations consistently recorded the lowest screening levels throughout the study.
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Key Clinical Takeaways:
- Hispanic patients saw screening rates grow from 9.85% to 15.51% between 2019 and 2024.
- Non-Hispanic White patients began with the highest rates at 10.98% but finished with the smallest increase at 13.85%.
- American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander patients remained the least screened groups across the entire timeframe.
Evaluating Screening Trends Across Diverse Demographics
The retrospective cross-sectional study, published October 16 in JAMA Network Open, evaluated screening rates among female patients aged 21 to 64. Researchers analyzed electronic medical record data from more than 1,805 hospitals, tracking annual sample sizes that ranged from 9 million to 16 million patients. Yunbo Xie of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston led the research team.
Non-Hispanic White patients held the highest annual screening rates from 2019 through 2021. Yet, that population experienced the smallest percentage growth over the duration of the analysis. Conversely, Hispanic patients closed the gap significantly, posting a jump of more than 5 percentage points. Patients aged 30 to 49 years and non-English-speaking patients consistently maintained the highest screening participation across all observed years.
Western and Southern Regions Record Lower Screening Rates
Geography played a distinct role in screening participation. Patients residing in Western and Southern census regions recorded lower screening rates compared to those living in other parts of the country. By contrast, the South and Northeast housed the largest overall volume of patients in the EMR database.
Routine screenings through cervical cytology, primary high-risk HPV testing, or co-testing remain vital for detecting precancerous lesions before they advance. Major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, recommend initiating screening at age 21. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the World Health Organization similarly back regular testing for women.
Coding Variability and Single Record System Limit Methodology
The investigators noted several constraints in their methodology. Relying on ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS codes across a vast network of hospitals introduced potential variability in coding practices and documentation. Because the dataset relied exclusively on a single electronic medical record system, screenings performed in outside community health clinics or alternative care settings went uncaptured.
The study received no specific funding, and the authors reported no relevant conflicts of interest.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.