Exploring the Paradox: Cervical Cancer Disparities Among African American Women View PDF

^*Jocelyn D. Betts
Department Of Public Health, College Of Health Sciences And Pharmacy, Chicago State University, Illinois, United States
Yashika Watkins
Department Of Public Health, College Of Health Sciences And Pharmacy, Chicago State University, Illinois, United States

^*Corresponding Author:

Jocelyn D. Betts
Department Of Public Health, College Of Health Sciences And Pharmacy, Chicago State University, Illinois, United States

Published on: 2025-06-20

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.

Keywords

Cervical cancer, Mortality, Human papillomavirus vaccination, Health disparities, African American Women, Preventive care, Health literacy, Access to care, Medical mistrust

Introduction

Cervical cancer continues to be a deadly disease that causes many deaths among the African American women. This type of cancer is deadly but, is preventable through Human papillomavirus vaccination (HPV) and can be detected early through pap smears. African American women, have the highest rate of death from cervical cancer largely due to lack of knowledge, screening, follow-up, or access to treatment [1]. Disparities in outcomes remains pronounced despite the many advancements in HPV vaccination and pap smear testing. Social determinants of health play a central role in these disparities. Some social determinants of health that contribute to these disparities are education achievement and lack of understanding. Another one is socioeconomics including financial status, costly amount of health insurance, and the lack of benefits from health insurance [2].

Cervical cancer mortality among African American women is highly due to the HPV, which is the most highly sexual transmitted virus and the causing factor for cervical cancer [1]. Barriers to HPV vaccinations consist of lack of awareness and knowledge of the HPV vaccination, inaccurate information on the transmission of HPV and the lack of effective education and recommendation of the HPV vaccination from healthcare providers [3]. Given this, health education is instrumental in closing the gap to addressing cervical cancer disparities in African American women.