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Screening for cervical cancer, 1973-1976
American Journal of Public Health
|August 1, 1981
Summary
Women with lower incomes and those living in nonmetropolitan areas were less likely to have received a Pap test between 1973-1976. This trend persisted, highlighting persistent disparities in cervical cancer screening access.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Cervical cancer screening via Pap tests is crucial for early detection and prevention.
- Previous data indicated disparities in Pap test access based on socioeconomic and geographic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update and analyze the percentage of women who did not undergo a Pap test from 1973 to 1976.
- To examine these disparities by race, residence, and income.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Survey of Family Growth, Cycle II.
- Analyzed Pap test non-receipt rates across different demographic groups.
Main Results:
- Women with lower incomes were significantly less likely to have had a Pap test.
- Women residing in nonmetropolitan areas also showed a lower likelihood of Pap test screening.
- These disparities were observed consistently in the 1973-1976 data.
Conclusions:
- Persistent disparities in Pap test access exist for low-income and nonmetropolitan women.
- Targeted interventions may be needed to improve cervical cancer screening equity.
