Cervical Cancer Deaths Among Young Women Decline, Study Finds
A new study revealing a decrease in cervical cancer deaths among U.S. women under 25 years old highlights the importance of continued vigilance against this disease. However, researchers express concern over recent declines in HPV vaccination rates among adolescents.
A Decade of Progress
Analyzing data from the National Center for Health Statistics spanning 1992 to 2021, researchers discovered a significant decline in cervical cancer deaths among young women. From 1992 to 1994, an initial gradual decline of 3.7 percent per year was observed, followed by a more dramatic 15.2 percent per year decrease between 2013 and 2021.
These positive trends are reflected in the decreasing number of deaths within each time period. Cervical cancer deaths in women under 25 fell from 55 between 1992 and 1994 to 35 from 2013 to 2015, and finally down to 13 between 2019 and 2021. Projections suggest that approximately 26 additional deaths would have occurred during the 2016-2021 period if the previous trend hadn’t accelerated.
Impact of HPV Vaccination & Looking Ahead
The researchers suggest that the decline in cervical cancer deaths may be linked, in part, to increased awareness and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a major risk factor for cervical cancer. However, recent trends raise significant concerns.
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, HPV vaccination coverage has not improved and, troublingly, a decline occurred (from 79.3 percent in 2022 to 75.9 percent in 2023) among the most recent generation of U.S. adolescents,” the authors wrote.
They emphasize the urgency of addressing this decline and enhancing HPV vaccination coverage to protect future generations from cervical cancer.
Two authors disclosed ties to Value Analytics Labs; one also disclosed ties to Merck.
• What is the death rate from cervical cancer per 100,000 women per year in the United States?
## Cervical Cancer Rates Plummeting in Young Women: An Interview with Dr. [Expert Name]
**(Intro Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to “Health Beat.” Today, we’re discussing encouraging news in the fight against cervical cancer. A recent study shows a decline in cervical cancer deaths among women under 25 in the United States. Joining us to discuss the study’s findings and what this means for women’s health is Dr. [Expert Name], a leading oncologist specializing in gynecological cancers.
Dr. [Expert Name], thank you for being with us.
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** This study is certainly heartening. Can you tell us more about the findings and what factors likely contributed to this positive trend?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** Absolutely. The study shows a significant decrease in cervical cancer deaths among women under 25, and this is truly encouraging. One of the main drivers of this decline is likely the widespread availability and increased uptake of the HPV vaccine. As stated in [[1](https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-genital-warts/hpv-vaccines-human-papillomavirus)], the HPV vaccine protects against the strains of the virus that cause most cervical cancers.
**Host:** The article mentions that the vaccine is covered by the Vaccines for Children Program. Is access to the vaccine a key factor in these improved statistics?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** Absolutely. Making the vaccine accessible and affordable for a wider population is crucial. Programs like Vaccines for Children play a vital role in ensuring that young people have access to this potentially life-saving protection.
**Host:** What advice would you give to young women regarding cervical cancer screening and prevention?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** My advice is simple: get vaccinated against HPV if you haven’t already, and talk to your doctor about regular cervical cancer screenings. Early detection is key in successfully treating cervical cancer.
**(Outro Music)**
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. [Expert Name].
