The proportion of individuals who have never undergone cervical cancer screenings is increasing
A new study reveals that the proportion of women who have never utilized cervical cancer screenings has increased over time.
A comprehensive study published in the journal JAMA Network Open revealed that the proportion of women in the U.S. who have never utilized cervical cancer screenings in their lifetime has increased significantly over the years.
The Importance of the Pap Test
The Pap test, known today as the smear test, is considered one of the most successful screening methods in medical history for preventing cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer does not appear suddenly; it gives prior warning through precancerous changes that develop over years.
Study Results
The study published in JAMA Network Open detailed the data of 106,262 women who participated in surveys between 2005 and 2023.
The researchers focused not on those who delayed their screening, but on women who stated they had never undergone a screening in their lifetime.
Rates by Age Groups
In the 21 to 29 age group, the rate of women who had never been screened was 12.5 percent in 2005, reaching 31.9 percent in 2023.
In the 30 to 65 age group, the same rate increased from 5.3 percent to 14.8 percent, leaving one out of every seven women outside the system.
Access Issues
Factors such as privacy concerns, fear, lack of time, transportation difficulties, and cost are among the primary elements increasing the distance to the tests.
Differences observed according to education and region suggest that this situation is directly related to service access rather than biology.
HPV Vaccine and Screening
The HPV vaccine constitutes one of the most powerful protective tools at our disposal by preventing a significant portion of infections leading to cancer.
Vaccination and screening are not rivals but complements; vaccinated women must also continue appropriate screenings.
Practices in Turkey
In Turkey, free screening with the HPV-DNA test is offered every five years to women between the ages of 30 and 65 within the scope of the national program.
While services are carried out through family health centers and KETEMs, it is important to complete the entire follow-up and results chain of the screening process.