A report released by Women In Government (WIG) shows that states are making progress in the fight against cervical cancer. However, despite tremendous progress, there still is substantial variation with cervical cancer prevention efforts, particularly for underserved populations, across the states. Among the steps still needed to make effective cervical cancer prevention a reality for women at all socioeconomic levels is to increase funding for screening and vaccination programs to ensure access for women who are uninsured or underinsured. These findings from A Roadmap for Success: The State of Cervical Cancer Prevention in America 2010, the sixth and final state-by-state comparison report released by WIG, are designed to highlight the tremendous strides that have been made to battle cervical cancer since WIG took up the initiative six years ago.
“We continue to look forward to the day when the elimination of cervical cancer is a reality. Continued efforts are needed to ensure that all women have access to the most appropriate cervical cancer prevention technologies, including the HPV test and the HPV vaccine,” said Mary Brooks Beatty, President of Women In Government.
States continue their efforts to make cervical cancer a disease of the past. Mortality rates for the disease are continuing to decline, and the development of an HPV vaccine is having major implications for the prevention of cervical cancer. “Our new report shows that great progress is being made in the fight against cervical cancer,” said Mary Brooks Beatty, President of Women In Government. “However, this disease is almost completely preventable and we need to ensure that all women have access to the most appropriate cervical cancer prevention technologies, that socioeconomic status is not a barrier to receiving care, and that women around the world benefit from the tools that have helped make a difference in the battle against cervical cancer in the United States.”
The report looked at current data for each state on incidences of cervical cancer and mortality rates; screening rates, including for low-income women; women’s access to screening and the most up-to-date technology; rates of uninsured women; and the legislative priority being put on the issue. Key findings in the report include:
- States have made tremendous progress against cervical cancer since the inception of the report six years ago. A total of 40 states and the District of Columbia – nearly four out of five – received a Good or Very Good in their efforts to fight cervical cancer. Only 30 states received a grade of Good or Very Good in the first report and only 11 states received a grade of Fair versus 21 in the first report.
- States are continuing their legislative efforts to raise awareness about HPV and access to cervical cancer screening and the HPV vaccine. A total of six states introduced measures to increase the access to the cervical cancer vaccine; five states introduced HPV education measures; and six states passed measures related to cervical cancer screening and access.
- A total of 34 states and the District of Columbia saw the rate of uninsured women either decrease or stay the same; 17 registered an increase in the rate of uninsured women. Lack of insurance coverage may continue to hamper efforts to ensure that all women have access to the most appropriate and advanced cervical cancer screening technology.
Despite tremendous accomplishments, much work still needs to be done. Increased educational efforts are needed to ensure that women and girls aged 11-26 years-old, actually do receive the vaccine, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Other challenges with the HPV vaccine include ensuring that public and private insurance coverage is available to allow women and girls to receive the vaccine and developing sustainable public health systems to monitor the impact of the vaccine.
The comprehensive report meticulously tracks HPV and cervical cancer information state-by-state in order to equip state legislators with the most up-to-date information and resources for their respective states. Additionally, A Roadmap for Success: The State of Cervical Cancer Prevention in America 2010 summarizes findings and presents recommendations in a way that this complex policy problem can be easily understood. “Engaging state legislators nationwide in policy and awareness initiatives to advance cervical cancer prevention efforts will be the mark of success,” said Ms. Beatty.
Since the campaign’s launch in 2004, 409 bills on HPV and cervical cancer have been introduced, with legislation passing in all 50 states. However, reaching the goal of completely eradicating the disease will require educating not only legislators but their constituents about cervical cancer prevention and the ability to access the HPV. WIG is proud to continue the fight and break the silence about the disease.
To view A Roadmap for Success: The State of Cervical Cancer Prevention in America 2010, click here.
About Women In Government
Women In Government is a national, non-profit, bi-partisan organization of women state legislators providing leadership opportunities, networking, expert forums, and educational resources to address and resolve complex public policy issues.
For more information, please contact, Libby Derting, Director of Policy and Programs, at lderting@womeningovernment.org or 202-333-0825 ext. 248.
