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A recent headline caught my attention. The headline reads:  Nearly One in 10 Women Have Never Received Cervical Cancer Screening, Polls Finds.  

A survey was sent to 872 women ages 18 to 64 years old, and I was shocked at the findings:

• 1 in 10 Black and Hispanic women said they have never had a pap smear
• 71% of women delayed getting a pap smear
• 15% of women said their last OB/GYN checkup was three years ago
• 81% of women were unsure how often to get a pap smear
• 67% of women were unaware that cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)
• 48% of women say the guidance about recommended  Pap test frequency is confusing

The Harris Poll conducted the survey between November 14 -16, 2022. 

My first thought was none of these women read my blog or know anyone that reads this blog. If you read the blog from January 8, titled What is new with the HPV vaccine? All the information regarding cervical cancer prevention is discussed. How do we inform more women that cervical cancer is preventable? 

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month, and January 23 – 27 is “Us vs. HPV” Prevention Week. HPV does cause cervical cancer and much more. HPV is responsible for an estimated 90% of anal cancers, 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and more than 60% of penile cancers. About 80% of people under 50 will have some form of HPV and never know it. The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), Global Initiative Against HPV Cervical Cancer (GIAHC), and Indiana University National Center of Excellence (NCoE) in Women’s Health are offering daily webinars for free to discuss HPV. The webinars are free, and you can click here to get more information on how to register.

If everyone who reads this blog gets a survey, I am confident the results will differ from the survey results above. It will be:

• 100% of the women said they are up to date with their pap smears.
• 100% of women said they had seen their OB/GYN within the past three years.
• 100% of women know if they are between 21 -30 years, they will get their pap smear every three years, and if they are over 30 years old, they will get a pap smear and HPV testing every 3 – 5 years. They may need to have pap smears more often if they have any abnormal smears.
• 100% of women are aware that cervical cancer is caused by HPV
• 100% of women will talk with their healthcare provider if they have any questions regarding their bodies.