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Massachusetts closest to eliminating cervical cancer, Southeastern states lag, new study finds

According to a new study, Massachusetts is close to eliminating cervical cancer due to its low incidence rate of 4.3 cases per 100,000 in recent years. In contrast, the Southeast and Southwest regions have higher rates of 11.2 and 9.9 cases per 100,000, respectively, making it challenging for these states to reach elimination goals.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateJan 26, 2026

The percentage of women who went without a Pap smear for cervical cancer screening increased following the COVID-19 pandemic, from 19% in 2019 to 26% in 2022

A significant increase in Pap smear avoidance was observed among US women following the COVID-19 pandemic, with 26% of women going without screening in 2022 compared to 19% in 2019. This trend was particularly pronounced among African American women, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateSep 11, 2025

Vaginal suppository containing lactobacilli can prevent recurrent cystitis in women

A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that administering vaginal suppositories with Lactobacillus crispatus can restore a healthy balance of vaginal microbiota and prevent recurrent cystitis. The researchers discovered that postmenopausal women with RC had significantly different bacterial communities compared to those w...

SourceOkayama University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2023

When a free cancer check finds something, could cost keep patients from following up?

New studies show that patients with abnormal screening results may face significant out-of-pocket costs for follow-up tests, potentially delaying care. For women, colposcopy costs rose sharply over 13 years, with some facing bills of nearly $1,000. Lung cancer screening CT scans also led to high costs for invasive procedures.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2021

HPV test is a better long-term predictor of cervical cell abnormalities than pap smear

A recent study by the American Association for Cancer Research found that HPV tests are a better predictor of cervical cell abnormalities than Pap smears, particularly in older women. The researchers discovered that HPV-positive women aged 40 and above had a significantly higher risk of developing cervical cancer within 10 years.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 1, 2006

Ethnic disparities in Medicare claims?

A study published in BMC Health Services Research reveals ethnic disparities in preventive screening procedures are larger when estimated using Medicare claims, with the exception of PSA testing. Despite adjusting for various factors, minorities tend to report higher rates of receiving preventive procedures without a submitted claim.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateSep 28, 2006

HPV testing finds precancerous lesions at a higher rate than conventional pap smears

A randomized controlled trial found that HPV testing combined with liquid-based cytology increased sensitivity by 47% compared to conventional pap smears, but also led to a 60% increase in false positives. HPV testing alone showed a 40% increase in sensitivity and a smaller decrease in specificity.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 6, 2006

Pap smears, mammography should be targeted at healthy elders, study says

A recent study by the University of California - San Francisco found that healthy older women are more likely to be screened for cancer, while those in poor health are less likely. The study analyzed data from over 4,700 women aged 70 and above, revealing a significant gap in screening rates among healthy versus unhealthy individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Study finds women screened for cervical cancer one, two and three years after normal test results have same low rate of abnormalities

A US study found that women with recent normal Pap smear results have a similar low rate of significant cellular abnormalities regardless of the time interval between screenings. The study suggests that some women may not need to be screened annually, and that less frequent screening may be safe for low-risk women.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 30, 2000

Health of women prisoners

A study found that only 15% of women in prison had undergone cervical cancer screening, despite 75% being willing to receive it. Short stays and urgent medical needs contribute to this disparity. Improved medical care could reduce the burden of ill health later on.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 6, 2000