The effects of race and socioeconomic status on HPV education and cervical cancer diagnosis.

While cervical cancer is one of few easily preventable cancers, it is the fourth most common cancer in the world among women. The American Cancer Society predicts that by the end of 2022, 14,100 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 4,280 women will lose their lives to the disease. Despite advancements in cervical cancer screening and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), racial and socioeconomic minorities underutilize screening services, HPV vaccination, and follow-up care post an abnormal diagnosis. Due to these disparities in health care access, Black women are twice as likely to die, and Hispanic women are three times as likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer when compared to their White counterparts. With a greater understanding of the underlying factors associated with these disparities, we can begin to develop tailored interventions that provide unique support and resources needed to increase utilization and access preventative service measures for minority women.