Cervical Cancer: Will Interventions to HPV Vaccination Reduce Disparities?

Background: Cervical cancer is a preventable malignancy, given the availability of primary and secondary prevention, via human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination or screening, respectively. Despite this fact, racial disparities HPV vaccination and screening still exist. Objective: To review the data on primary and secondary prevention strategies for cervical cancer, HPV vaccination and screening, respectively and their projected impact on both cervical cancer rates and in reducing the disparity gap. Method: Literature review. Results: A disproportionate number of underserved minority women are not vaccinated and screened. Conclusion: Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. In the US, the burden is largely shouldered by underserved women with limited or no access to primary and secondary prevention. Although it is not possible at this time to measure the impact of vaccination and continued screening on this disparity, it remains clear that this inequity will not be mitigated unless; access, coverage and participation in HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening programs improve for these women.