AJCY2201 - CME/CMLE - Human Papillomavirus Positive and Cytology Negative Women: An Analysis According to Race-Human Papillomavirus Positive and Cytology Negative Women: An Analysis According to Race

Human Papillomavirus Positive and Cytology Negative Women: An Analysis According to Race

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The study titled "Risk Assessment of Human Papillomavirus-Positive Cytology-Negative Cervical Cancer Screening in Black and White Women" analyzed data from 1,728 women with negative cytology and positive high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) results, focusing on follow-up and racial disparities. Key findings include the lack of follow-up in 29% of patients, with no difference between races, and differences in hrHPV types between White and Black women. Thirty Black and 26 White women were later diagnosed with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3. The study highlighted challenges in follow-up, differing hrHPV distribution by race, and increased high-grade intraepithelial lesions in Black women during colposcopy.<br /><br />The research emphasized the importance of understanding racial disparities in cancer screening and prevention efforts, particularly in cervical cancer, a major global health problem. The decline in cervical cancer rates has been attributed to screening strategies. The study supports the shift towards primary HPV testing for cervical screening but raises concerns about disparities among minority groups and underscreened populations. Addressing follow-up challenges for women with PAPneg/HPVpos results is crucial, and genotyping every woman may become necessary to assess the risk accurately.<br /><br />Notably, the research found no difference in follow-up adherence between Black and White women despite differences in HPV types and detection of high-grade lesions. The study recommends education strategies for patients regarding the importance of follow-up after an abnormal HPV test and emphasizes the need for triage strategies for women with hrHPV positive tests. Understanding the impact of HPV results only and analyzing data by race can help address health disparities and improve screening programs to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates.

Keywords

Risk Assessment

Human Papillomavirus

Cervical Cancer Screening

Racial Disparities

High-risk HPV

Cytology

Follow-up

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Health Disparities

Screening Programs