Financial barriers to cervical cancer screening

Among low-income, uninsured or publicly insured women aged 25 to 64 who were not up to date with cervical cancer screening, 72% perceived financial barriers to screening. The most frequently reported barriers were costs of screening appointments (71%) and costs of future follow-up / treatment (44%), according to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal. Women’s Health Journal. Click here to read the article now.

Screening is effective in reducing the incidence and mortality associated with cervical cancer. However, disparities exist in the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer and in screening for cervical cancer depending on poverty level, insurance status, race and age. ethnic origin. Only about 64% of uninsured women, 78% of publicly insured women, and 75% of low-income women were screened according to national screening guidelines. Perceived financial barriers to screening likely affect uptake of cervical cancer screening.

“In particular, this study illustrates the importance of availability and health awareness. Insurance and other financial resources to reduce perceived financial barriers to testing ”, state Jennifer Smith, PhD, University of North Carolina, and study co-authors. “Insurance status strongly influences the actual costs incurred for the appointment and cervical cancer screening labs, which can influence the cost burden and perceived barriers. “

“Low-income women need better access to insurance coverage options, Medicaid eligibility or free screening programs so they can get regular cervical cancer screening.” uterus without perceived financial barriers to care, ”says Women’s Health Journal Editor-in-chief Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women’s Health, Richmond, VA.

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About the journal

Women’s Health Journal, published monthly, is a core multidisciplinary journal devoted to diseases and conditions that are at higher risk or are more prevalent in women, as well as diseases that present differently in women. Led by the editor Susan G. Kornstein, MD, executive director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women’s Health, Richmond, VA, the Journal covers the latest advances and clinical applications of novel diagnostic procedures and treatment protocols for the prevention and management of women’s health problems. Full tables of contents and a sample number can be found on the Women’s Health Journal website. Women’s Health Journal is the official journal of the Society for Women’s Health Research.

About the publisher

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., editors is known for creating authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of biomedical science and research. A complete list of the firm’s more than 100 journals, books and news magazines is available on the website Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., editors website.