Differences in cervical cancer screening and follow-up for black and white women in the United States

Abstract

Objective: To study differences in screening adherence and follow-up after an abnormal Pap test in Non-Hispanic Black (Black) and Non-Hispanic White (White) women.

Methods: An observational cohort study using 2010 National Health Interview Survey cancer module to examine HPV knowledge, screening behavior, and follow-up to abnormal Pap test in Black and White women 18 years of age or older without a hysterectomy. We fit logistic regression models to examine associations between race and primary outcome variables including: HPV awareness, Pap test in the last three years, provider recommended Pap test, received Pap test results, had an abnormal Pap test, recommended follow-up, and adhered to the recommendation for follow-up.

Results: Analyzing data for 7509 women, Black women had lower odds ratios [OR] for: 1) HPV awareness (71% vs 83%; OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.36-0.49); 2) reporting Pap screening was recommended (59% vs 64%; OR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.66-0.88), and 3) acknowledging receipt of Pap results (92% vs 94%; OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.49-0.83). Group differences persisted after covariates adjustment. In adjusted models, Black women had higher odds of reporting recent Pap screening (84% vs 77%; OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.42-2.03), but reported lower odds of receiving a follow-up recommendation subsequent to abnormal test (78% vs 87%; OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.31-0.95).

Conclusion: Black women reported higher cervical cancer screening adherence but lower rates of being informed of an abnormal Pap test and contacted for follow-up treatment. We recommend a multilevel approach to deliver culturally appropriate education and communication for patients, physicians, clinicians in training, and clinic level ancillary staff.