Disparities in Cervical Cancer Elimination – Center for Health Decision Science

CHDS researchers Emily A. Burger, Stephen Sy, Mary Caroline Regan, and Jane J. Kim, as well former postdoctoral fellow Jenny Spencer, collaborated with an international team to conduct a comparative modeling analysis examining how timeframes for eliminating cervical cancer differ across subpopulations in the United States. Leveraging three independently-developed disease simulation models developed within the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET), the teams investigated how correlated patterns in prevention behaviors—such as lower uptake of both vaccination and cervical cancer screening among certain subpopulations—impact the timeline to reach national elimination targets and disparities across groups.

This study was the first to quantify the effects of heterogeneity in prevention behaviors on elimination timeframes. The findings highlighted substantial variation embedded in national averages, revealing that a singular national target could mask delayed progress among the most vulnerable within the population. The authors emphasized the importance of monitoring and addressing disparities, and suggested that targeted interventions may be necessary to equalize progress toward cervical cancer elimination in the U.S.

Learn more: Read the publication, Disparities in Cervical Cancer Elimination Time Frames in the United States: A Comparative Modeling Study
Learn more: Read about the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET)