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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
A new study reveals a troubling rise in U.S. women who have never been screened for cervical cancer. In 2023, nearly one-third of women aged 21–29 reported never being screened — up from just 12.5% in 2005. Researchers say the trend is "truly shocking" and coincides with a rise in later-stage cervical cancer diagnoses.
A cross-sectional study published in JAMA Network Open found that the share of U.S. women who have never undergone cervical cancer screening has risen dramatically over the past two decades — and researchers are sounding the alarm. Using National Health Interview Survey data from 2005 to 2023, the team found that never-screening rates more than doubled among younger women, with a particularly sharp climb after 2010.
The trend isn't limited to younger women. Among those aged 30–65 — the age group where cervical cancer incidence peaks — never-screening rates nearly tripled over the same period. Disparities were also stark: Asian women and those with lower education levels were significantly less likely to have ever been screened. Researchers also flagged a possible misconception: some HPV-vaccinated women may believe they no longer need screening, even though guidelines still recommend it.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Cervical cancer is largely preventable, yet screening rates are falling — and later-stage diagnoses are rising in parallel. Clinicians and health systems have a critical role to play in closing this gap, especially for underserved populations.
