High Incidence and Mortality of Cervical Cancer in the Southern United States

Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates have dramatically decreased in the United States in the past three decades. However, these rates remain high in most Southern states. We conducted a literature review to summarize sociodemographic factors and healthcare-seeking behaviors that may contribute to higher rates in the South. Identified factors included cervical cancer disparities among African American women, low socioeconomic status (SES), limited knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, low coverage of Pap test and HPV vaccination, and stigma towards HPV and cervical cancer. Existing interventions have made a moderate decrease for incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. More evidence-based culturally-tailored interventions are needed to resolve existing cancer disparities, improve access to care, promote HPV vaccination, and eliminate barriers to cervical cancer screening to address cervical cancer disparity in this region.