Rise in Nonadherence to Cervical Cancer Screening Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

Recent research indicates a significant decline in adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines among women in the United States following the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, published in PLOS Global Public Health, analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey, comparing HPV vaccination knowledge and screening behaviors pre- and post-pandemic. The findings revealed that the rate of women not following recommended cervical cancer screening protocols increased from 19.2% in 2019 to 25.8% in 2022, marking an overall increase of 6.6%. Notably, Black women experienced a disproportionately higher rise in nonadherence, with rates increasing by 13.9%, compared to 5.6% among White women. Additionally, awareness about the HPV vaccine was slightly lower post-pandemic, with 18.9% of women not having heard about it in 2019, rising by 2.8% in 2022. The study emphasized that lower educational attainment and being from underrepresented racial communities were strongly associated with both reduced HPV vaccine awareness and increased screening nonadherence. Researchers highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions—including educational campaigns, community outreach, and improved access—to address these disparities and promote equitable healthcare engagement. As the pandemic continues to impact preventive health behaviors, these findings underscore the importance of focused public health efforts to restore and enhance cervical cancer screening rates among vulnerable populations.