A study published in Ethnicity & Health looked at the personal and system-level reasons that affect cervical cancer screening among African women and African American women. It used the social determinants of health (SDOH) framework to understand both the similarities and differences between these two groups.
The results showed that both groups faced some of the same barriers, such as low awareness, cultural and religious stigma, and money problems. However, African women often faced challenges like long travel distances, poor healthcare systems, and not enough trained providers. African American women were more likely to face mistrust of the healthcare system, racial discrimination, and poor communication with doctors. At the same time, factors such as community education, support from peers and partners, and personal motivation helped increase screening rates in both groups.
Black women are diagnosed with cervical cancer more often than white women and are about 75 percent more likely to die from it. They are also more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, which lowers survival rates, and frequently face lower screening rates, delayed follow-up care, and disparities in treatment. For Black women, low screening rates are often tied to how they are treated in healthcare systems. These are legitimate concerns, but we, as providers, have to step up and be transparent about the treatments available.
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