Effect of health care disparities on screening

Significant declines in the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer have occurred in the United States since the introduction of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test. Unfortunately, a reduction in the burden of cervical cancer is not equal across all ethnic and racial groups; significant disparities exist. Disparities are reflected not only in mortality and incidence rates, but also in screening rates. We review barriers to screening and effective approaches towards overcoming them. As minority populations increase over the next few decades, it becomes ever more urgent to employ interventions that will reduce the burden of cervical cancer among diverse groups.