Exploring the Paradox: Cervical Cancer Disparities Among African American Women

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a significant global health challenge as the third most common cancer in women worldwide. Although effective screening techniques exist, in the United States, African American women are disproportionately affected and have the second highest rate of cervical cancer incidence. Research results have noted that African American women are more likely to develop cervical cancer and die from it than White women. Several disparities influence these results such as health literacy, financial status, and medical mistrust. The aim of this review was to examine how limited access to healthcare, delayed follow-up on abnormal pap smear results and systemic barriers such as medical mistrust and socioeconomic disparities attributes to the cervical disparities paradox among African American women. This review will highlight each attributor’s disproportionate effect on cervical cancer among African American Women.