Impact of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program on cervical cancer mortality among uninsured low-income women in the U.S., 1991-2007

Effects of speculum lubrication on cervical smears for cervical cancer screening: A double blind randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Speculum lubrication may help to reduce the pain experienced during Pap-smear collection and hence increase uptake of cervical cancer screening and repeat testing, but there are fears of its interference with cytological results.

AIM

To determine and compare the adequacy of cervical cytology smears and the mean pain scores of women undergoing cervical cancer screening with or without speculum lubrication.

METHODS

This was a randomised controlled study of 132 women having cervical cancer screening at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Sixty-six participants were randomly assigned to the 'Gel' and 'No Gel' groups, respectively. Pap smears were collected from each participant with a lubricated speculum ('Gel group') or a non-lubricated speculum ('No Gel group'). The primary outcome measures were the proportion of women with unsatisfactory cervical cytology smears and the mean numeric rating scale pain scores, while the secondary outcome measures were the proportion of women who were willing to come for repeat testing and the cytological diagnosis of Pap-smear results.

RESULTS

The baseline socio-demographic variables were similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in the proportion of unsatisfactory cervical smear results between the two groups (13.6% vs. 21.2%, p = 0.359). However, the mean pain scores were significantly lower in the gel group than in the no gel group (45.04 vs. 87.96; p<0.001). An equal proportion of the participants in each group (90.9% vs. 90.9%; p > 0.999) were willing to come for repeat cervical smears in the future.

CONCLUSION

Speculum lubrication did not affect the adequacy of cervical smears but significantly reduced the pain experienced during pap smear collection. Also, it did not significantly affect the willingness to come for repeat cervical smears in the future.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered with the Pan-African Clinical Trial Registry with a unique identification and registration number: PACTR2020077533364675.

Squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL: LSIL, HSIL, ASCUS, ASC-H, LSIL-H) of Uterine Cervix and Bethesda System

For every 100,000 women in the United States, eight new cervical cancer cases and two deaths are reported as per the most recent (2017) Center of Disease Control and Prevention statistics. Of all the gynecologic cancers (ovary, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva), only cervical cancer has a screening test. Cervical Pap test (or Pap smear) is the best screening method for cervical precancerous lesions and is best reported using a unified and a well-established reporting system like The Bethesda System. In this system, “Epithelial cell abnormality: Squamous” includes squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) category which encompasses a spectrum of squamous cell lesions starting from the precancerous lesions of low-grade SIL (LSIL) to high-grade SIL (HSIL), and ultimately invasive squamous cell carcinoma. However, depending on the qualitative and quantitative limitations with the specimen, some equivocal morphological features suggestive of squamous cell abnormality may fall under equivocal category: “Atypical Squamous Cells” (ASCs), which are subdivided into two categories; “Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance” (ASC-US) or “Atypical Squamous Cells, HSIL cannot be excluded” (ASC-H), based on the suspected underlying lesion LSIL versus HSIL, respectively. This review provides the key cytologic features that distinguish Bethesda squamous categories from other important entities, using algorithmic approach and illustrations of common cytomorphologic patterns for clear identification of those entities in practice. The important mimickers which may be considered during the differential interpretation of SIL are discussed and presented here in a brief cytomorphologic review.

Validation of the indication for colposcopy proposed by the 2019 ASCCP risk-based management consensus guidelines: A single-center study in China

Objective

To validate the colposcopy indication proposed by the 2019 ASCCP Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines for abnormal cervical cancer screening tests (the 2019 ASCCP guidelines).

Methods

Clinical data of 1404 patients who underwent colposcopy in single center in China were reviewed. Based on history and current cervical screening (HPV & cytology), corresponding recommendations were given according to the 2019 ASCCP guidelines. The agreement and discrepancy of colposcopy indication were analyzed between the Chinese consensus and the 2019 ASCCP guidelines.

Results

Colposcopy indication was matched in about 80% patients. The left 20% were recommended with follow-up by the 2019 ASCCP guidelines. The discrepancy mainly focused on patients having a current result of HPV-positive NILM without unknown history. The ratio of observed CIN3+ in our database over estimated CIN3+ by the 2019 ASCCP guidelines was 6.2 (31/5). The ratio was even higher in patients with HPV16/18-positive NILM (7, 28/4), compared with those with other types of high-risk HPV-positive NILM (3, 3/1). The 2019 ASCCP guidelines had a relatively high sensitivity (83.1%), a low specificity (21.5%), a low positive predictive value (14.1%) and a high negative predictive value (89.1%) for prediction of CIN 3+.

Conclusions

We could try to apply the 2019 ASCCP guidelines in Chinese population. The classification of HR-HPV was strongly recommended during risk assessment. For patients with HPV16/18 infection, colposcopy should be recommended. Perspective multi-center randomized controlled trial with reliable follow-up should be performed in the future to confirm the feasibility.

Association between Medicaid expansion status and lung cancer screening exam growth: findings from the ACR lung cancer registry

PURPOSE

To determine if Medicaid expansion is associated with increased volumes of lung cancer screenings.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study was performed to compare the annual growth rates in lung cancer screenings between states that expanded Medicaid (n = 31) versus those that did not (n = 17). Using the American College of Radiology Lung Cancer Screening Registry, we calculated the average annual growth rate between 2016 and 2019 for both groups. Secondary analyses between these two groups also included calculations of the percentages of studies considered appropriate by USPSTF criteria.

RESULTS

No significant difference was identified in the average annual growth in lung cancer screenings between Medicaid expanding and non-expanding states (57.6%, 50.3%, P = 0.51). No difference was observed in the percentage of studies considered appropriate (Medicaid expanding = 89.6%, non-expanding = 90.2%, P = 0.72). At baseline, there were socioeconomic differences between both groups of states. Medicaid expanding states had a more urban population (76.5% versus 67.9%, P = 0.05) and higher average incomes ($56,947, $49,876, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

No association is found between Medicaid expansion and increasing volumes of lung cancer screening exams. Although no data is available in the registry for screening exams before the implementation of Medicaid expansion (2014), most nationwide estimates of lung screening rates report a low baseline (<5%). Furthermore, despite being advantaged in other ways, such as with a more urban population or with higher incomes, the Medicaid expansion cohort does not demonstrate a higher growth rate. These findings suggest Medicaid expansion alone will not increase lung cancer screenings.

Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality among Non-Hispanic African American and White Women, United States, 1999-2015

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer, a preventable cancer, has disproportionately affected African American women. To better understand the burden of cervical cancer, we assessed incidence and mortality rates and analyzed trends among non-Hispanic (NH) African American and White women in the US from 1999 to 2015.

METHODS

From age-adjusted cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates, rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for comparison between the two races. Trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression and expressed as annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC).

RESULTS

Cervical cancer incidence rates were significantly higher (RR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.44, 1.47) among NH African Americans (10.8 per 100,000 females) than NH Whites (7.4 per 100,000 females). Similarly, mortality rates were significantly higher (RR: 2.05; 95% CI: 2.01, 2.09) in NH African Americans (4.4 per 100,000 females) compared to NH Whites (2.1 per 100,000 females). From 1999 to 2015, overall incidence and mortality trends decreased significantly for both races. Mortality rates steadily increased with age for both races, and incidence rates only increased with age in NH African American women.

CONCLUSION

NH African American women had significantly higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates than NH Whites. Even as incidence and mortality trends declined significantly, older NH African Americans had three times the rate of cervical cancer than NH Whites. Prevention and treatment programs need to be enhanced for African Americans as failure to do so may widen cancer disparities.

Estimating the impact of increasing cervical cancer screening in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program among low-income women in the USA

PURPOSE

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides free cervical cancer screening to low-income women. This study estimated the health benefits gained in terms of life years (LYs) saved and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained if cervical cancer screening by the NBCCEDP increased to reach more eligible women.

METHODS

Data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results, NBCCEDP, and Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys were used. LYs saved and QALYs gained/100,000 women were estimated using modeling methods. They were used to predict additional health benefits gained if screening by the NBCCEDP increased from 6.5% up to 10-25% of the eligible women.

RESULTS

Overall, per 100,000 women screened by the NBCCEDP, 1,731 LYs were saved and 1,608 QALYs were gained. For white women, 1,926 LYs were saved and 1,780 QALYs were gained/100,000 women screened by the NBCCEDP. For black women, 1,506 LYs were saved and 1,300 QALYs were gained/100,000 women screened. If the proportion of eligible women screened by the NBCCEDP increased to 10-25%, the estimated health benefits would range from 6,626-34,896 LYs saved and 6,153-32,407 QALYs gained.

CONCLUSIONS

The reported estimates emphasize the value of cervical cancer screening program by extending LE in low-income women. Further, it demonstrates that screening a higher percentage of eligible women in the NBCCEDP may yield more health benefits.

HIV status, age at cervical Cancer screening and cervical cytology outcomes in an opportunistic screening setting in Nigeria: a 10-year Cross sectional data analysis

BACKGROUND

Invasive cervical cancer (ICC) is more prevalent in HIV infected women and occurs at younger median age than in HIV negative women. Organized cervical cancer screening (CCS) is presently lacking in Nigeria, and the age at CCS is not known in this population. We sought to examine the age at CCS, the cytology outcomes and whether outcomes differ by HIV infection status in an opportunistic screening setting.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of data on a sample of women who had received a CCS in an opportunistic screening service in Jos, Nigeria over a 10-year time period (2006-2016). We used logistic regression models to estimate the independent effect of patient-reported HIV and age at CCS and odds ratios for abnormal cytology outcomes adjusting for other covariates. We also assessed the correlation between median age at CCS and severity of abnormal cervical cytology outcomes. Statistical analyses were done on STATA version 14, College Station, Texas, USA.

RESULTS

In a sample of 14,088, the median age at CCS was 37 years (IQR; 30-45). For HIV infected women vs. uninfected women, CCS occurred at earlier ages (35.0 ± 7.4 vs 38.2 ± 10.2 years, p < 0.001). All women, regardless of HIV status, who completed at least 7 or more years of education were 1.27 to 3.51 times more likely to have CCS before age 35 than women with less education. The predictors of an abnormal cervical cytology outcome at CCS were: age at CCS ≥ 35 (aOR = 3.57; 95% CI: 2.74, 4.64), multiparity ≥5 (aOR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.56), and provider-referral (aOR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.64). Irrespective of reported HIV status, we found a positive correlation between median age at CCS and severity of cytology outcome.

DISCUSSION

The age at CCS in women who have utilized cervical cancer screening in the study population is relatively late compared to the recommended age by most guidelines from developed settings. Late age at CCS correlates positively with severity of abnormal cytology outcome irrespective of HIV status. More educated women are more likely to have CCS at early age and less likely to have underlying abnormal cytology outcomes.

Economics of public health programs for underserved populations: a review of economic analysis of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of economic analysis methods used in estimating the costs and benefits of public health programs and systematically review the application of these methods to the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).

METHODS

Published literature on economic analyses of the NBCCEDP was systematically reviewed. The Consensus on Health Economic Criteria checklist was used to assess methodological quality of the included studies.

RESULTS

Methods available for economic analysis of public health programs include program cost, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, cost-benefit analysis, and budget impact analysis. Of these, program cost analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, and cost-utility analysis have been applied to the NBCCEDP in previously published literature.

CONCLUSION

While there have been multiple program cost analyses, there are relatively fewer cost-effectiveness and cost-utility studies and no cost-benefit and budget impact analysis studies to evaluate the NBCCEDP. Addressing these gaps will inform implementation of effective public health programs with equitable resource allocation to all population subgroups.

Rural-Urban and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Invasive Cervical Cancer Incidence in the United States, 2010-2014

Introduction

Racial and socioeconomic disparities exist in cervical cancer screening, incidence, and mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate how cervical cancer stage at diagnosis is associated with rurality and race/ethnicity.

Methods

We analyzed 2010 through 2014 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. We compared cervical cancer frequency and age-adjusted incidence for each stage by county-level rurality and race/ethnicity.

Results

There were 59,432 incident cases of cervical cancer reported from 2010 through 2014. The most common stage at diagnosis was localized (urban, 43.3%; rural 41.3%). Rural counties had higher incidence than urban counties for localized (rate ratio [RR] = 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–1.15), regional (RR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.10–1.19), and distant (RR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05–1.19) stage cervical cancer. Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women had higher incidence of regional and distant cervical cancer than non-Hispanic white women. Non-Hispanic white women in rural counties had higher incidence than those in urban counties at every stage. However, incidence for non-Hispanic white women was lower than for non-Hispanic black or Hispanic women.

Conclusion

Rural counties had higher incidence of cervical cancer than urban counties at every stage. However, the association of rural residence with incidence varied by race/ethnicity.

Association between patient-reported HIV status and provider recommendation for screening in an opportunistic cervical Cancer screening setting in Jos, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer screening (CCS) is an important health service intervention for prevention of morbidity and mortality from invasive cervical cancer. The role of provider recommendation and referral is critical in utilization of this services particularly in settings where screening is largely opportunistic. We sought to understand how patient-reported human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection status is associated with provider referral in an opportunistic screening setting.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data on a sample of women who had received a CCS at the "Operation Stop" cervical cancer (OSCC) screening service in Jos, Nigeria over a 10-year time period (2006-2016). We used the de-identified records of women who had their first CCS to analyze the association between patient-reported HIV and likelihood of provider-referral at first CCS. We performed descriptive statistics with relevant test of association using Student t-test (t-test) for continuous variables and Pearson chi square or Fisher exact test where applicable for categorical variables. We also used a bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the independent association of patient-reported HIV on provider referral. All statistical tests were performed using STATA version 14.1, College Station, Texas, USA. Level of statistical significance was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

During the 10-year period, 14,088 women had their first CCS. The reported HIV prevalence in the population was 5.0%; 95% CI: 4.6, 5.4 (703/14,088). The median age of women who were screened was 37 years (IQR; 30-45). Women who were HIV infected received more referrals from providers compared to women who were HIV uninfected (68.7% versus 49.2%), p-value < 0.001. Similarly, we found an independent effect of patient-reported HIV infection on the likelihood for provider-referral in the screened sample (aOR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.95, 2.82).

CONCLUSION

Our analysis supports the design of health systems that facilitates providers' engagement and provision of necessary counseling for CCS in the course of routine clinical care. The practice of offering recommendation and referrals for CCS to women at high risk of cervical cancer, such as HIV infected women should be supported.

Trends in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Oklahoma and the United States, 1999-2013

BACKGROUND

The twin prevention strategies of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening reduce new cases and averts deaths, yet women still develop or die from cervical cancer. To assess and better understand the burden of cervical cancer in Oklahoma, we analyzed incidence and mortality trends in Oklahoma from 1999 to 2013.

METHODS

We obtained age-adjusted cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates and calculated standardized rate ratios (RR) for women in Oklahoma compared to the US. To evaluate temporal changes in annual age-adjusted incidence and mortality, we calculated the annual percent change (APC) using the Joinpoint Regression Program.

RESULTS

We observed higher age-adjusted incidence (RR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.3) and mortality (RR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.2) rates among women in Oklahoma compared to the US. The overall incidence and mortality rates in Oklahoma were 9.7 and 2.9 per 100,000 women, respectively. In Oklahoma, the highest age-adjusted incidence rates were in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) (14.8 per 100,000 females) and Asian or Pacific Islander (API) (11.7 per 100,000 females) women and the highest mortality rates were in AI/AN (4.5 per 100,000 females) and African American (AA) (3.9 per 100,000 females) women. Incidence rates decreased for AA women (APC: -4.0; 95% CI: -7.7, -0.2), but were stable for all other races and ethnicities in Oklahoma (APC: -0.8; 95% CI: -2.2, 0.7). A stable trend for mortality was observed in Oklahoma (APC: 0.1; 95% CI: -2.2, 2.5) each year.

CONCLUSION

Women in Oklahoma had a higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality rate than the US. A disproportionately higher incidence of cervical cancer among AI/AN and API women and deaths among AI/AN and AA women were observed signaling continuing racial disparities.

Characteristics Associated with HPV Diagnosis and Perceived Risk for Cervical Cancer Among Unmarried, Sexually Active College Women

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the leading cause of cervical cancer. While HPV risk factors have been well studied, less is known about those with HPV and their perceptions about health ramifications. The purposes of this study were to examine unmarried college student women's (1) HPV diagnosis status and (2) perceived risk of getting cervical cancer in the next 5 years. Data were analyzed from 1106 unmarried, sexually active college women aged 18 to 26. Binary logistic regression compared HPV-related knowledge, vaccination-related perceptions, mandate support, healthcare utilization, sexual behaviors, and personal characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the degree to which these factors were associated with perceived risk of cervical cancer diagnosis. Relative to those not diagnosed with HPV, participants who had more lifetime sex partners (P < 0.001), unprotected sex during last intercourse (P = 0.003), Pap test in the past year (P < 0.001), and perceived themselves to be at higher risk for cervical cancer (P < 0.001) were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with HPV. Those with HPV were more likely to support HPV vaccination mandates (P = 0.036) and have fewer friends vaccinated (P = 0.002). Participants who were uninsured (P = 0.011), diagnosed with HPV (P < 0.001), and had a family member (P < 0.001) or friend (P < 0.001) with cervical cancer were more likely to perceive themselves at risk for developing cervical cancer in the next 5 years. Findings indicate women with HPV, despite engaging in risky sexual behaviors, acknowledge their cervical cancer risk and may be strong advocates for HPV vaccination mandates to protect youth against this preventable virus.

Cervical cancer survival in the United States by race and stage (2001-2009): Findings from the CONCORD-2 study

BACKGROUND

Overall, cervical cancer survival in the United States has been reported to be among the highest in the world, despite slight decreases over the last decade. Objective of the current study was to describe cervical cancer survival trends among US women and examine differences by race and stage.

METHODS

This study used data from the CONCORD-2 study to compare survival among women (aged 15-99 years) diagnosed in 37 states covering 80% of the US population. Survival was adjusted for background mortality (net survival) with state- and race-specific life tables and was age-standardized with the International Cancer Survival Standard weights. Five-year survival was compared by race (all races, blacks, and whites). Two time periods, 2001-2003 and 2004-2009, were considered because of changes in how the staging variable was collected.

RESULTS

From 2001 to 2009, 90,620 women were diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer. The proportion of cancers diagnosed at a regional or distant stage increased over time in most states. Overall, the 5-year survival was 63.5% in 2001-2003 and 62.8% in 2004-2009. The survival was lower for black women versus white women in both calendar periods and in most states; black women had a higher proportion of distant-stage cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

The stability of the overall survival over time and the persistent differences in survival between white and black women in all US states suggest that there is a need for targeted interventions and improved access to screening, timely treatment, and follow-up care, especially among black women. Cancer 2017;123:5119-37. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

The Need for Societal Investment to Improve Cervical Cancer Outcomes in Nigeria: A commentary

Although cervical cancer is a preventable cancer with a well-known natural history, it remains a huge burden in developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa where organized cervical cancer screening services are lacking. Developed countries that have invested on providing organized screening programs have made substantial progress in reducing both incidence and mortality due to cervical cancer. Implementing evidence-based interventions such as human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination of young girls, early detection and treatment of premalignant conditions of the cervix through conventional Pap cytology, HPV screening or visual aided inspection with acetic acid could significantly reduce incidence of new cases at population level. Societal investment for such preventive services and provision of effective treatment for those diagnosed at early stages will yield economic benefits in reducing premature deaths of women at the prime of their productive lives. From a societal perspective, this should be a priority area for national investment towards the achievement of sustainable development in Nigeria and similar settings in Africa.

Effect of cervical cancer education and provider recommendation for screening on screening rates: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Although cervical cancer is largely preventable through screening, detection and treatment of precancerous abnormalities, it remains one of the top causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally.

Objectives

The objective of this systematic review is to understand the evidence of the effect of cervical cancer education compared to control conditions on cervical cancer screening rates in eligible women population at risk of cervical cancer. We also sought to understand the effect of provider recommendations for screening to eligible women on cervical cancer screening (CCS) rates compared to control conditions in eligible women population at risk of cervical cancer.

Methods

We used the PICO (Problem or Population, Interventions, Comparison and Outcome) framework as described in the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook to develop our search strategy. The details of our search strategy has been described in our systematic review protocol published in the International Prospective Register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO). The protocol registration number is CRD42016045605 available at: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.asp?src=trip&ID=CRD42016045605. The search string was used in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Systematic Reviews and Cochrane CENTRAL register of controlled trials to retrieve study reports that were screened for inclusion in this review. Our data synthesis and reporting was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). We did a qualitative synthesis of evidence and, where appropriate, individual study effects were pooled in meta-analyses using RevMan 5.3 Review Manager. The Higgins I² was used to assess for heterogeneity in studies pooled together for overall summary effects. We did assessment of risk of bias of individual studies included and assessed risk of publication bias across studies pooled together in meta-analysis by Funnel plot.

Results

Out of 3072 study reports screened, 28 articles were found to be eligible for inclusion in qualitative synthesis (5 of which were included in meta-analysis of educational interventions and 8 combined in meta-analysis of HPV self-sampling interventions), while 45 were excluded for various reasons. The use of theory-based educational interventions significantly increased CCS rates by more than double (OR, 2.46, 95% CI: 1.88, 3.21). Additionally, offering women the option of self-sampling for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing increased CCS rates by nearly 2-fold (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.22). We also found that invitation letters alone (or with a follow up phone contact), making an appointment, and sending reminders to patients who are due or overdue for screening had a significant effect on improving participation and CCS rates in populations at risk.

Conclusion

Our findings supports the implementation of theory-based cervical cancer educational interventions to increase women’s participation in cervical cancer screening programs, particularly when targeting communities with low literacy levels. Additionally, cervical cancer screening programs should consider the option of offering women the opportunity for self-sample collection particularly when such women have not responded to previous screening invitation or reminder letters for Pap smear collection as a method of screening.

Medicaid Expansions and Cervical Cancer Screening for Low-Income Women

OBJECTIVE

Medicaid coverage for low-income women may play an important role in ensuring access to preventive care. This study examines how Medicaid eligibility expansions to nonelderly adults impact cervical cancer screening among low-income women.

DATA SOURCES

We use data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2000 to 2010. The primary outcome of interest is whether women in the relevant guideline consistent age range reported having a Pap test in the previous year.

STUDY DESIGN

We use a difference-in-differences approach with matched treatment and comparison states and a simulated eligibility approach based on a continuous measure of Medicaid generosity.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Our results indicate that cervical cancer screening increased among low-income women in expansion states relative to comparison states. Increases in screening rates are largest among low-income Hispanic women.

CONCLUSIONS

Medicaid expansions during the period from 2000 to 2010 were associated with improved cervical cancer screening rates, which is critical for early cervical cancer detection and prevention of cancer morbidity and mortality in women. The results suggest that more widespread Medicaid expansions may have positive effects on preventive health care for women.

The potential impact of reducing indoor tanning on melanoma prevention and treatment costs in the United States: An economic analysis

BACKGROUND

Indoor tanning is associated with an increased risk of melanoma. The US Food and Drug Administration proposed prohibiting indoor tanning among minors younger than 18 years.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to estimate the health and economic benefits of reducing indoor tanning in the United States.

METHODS

We used a Markov model to estimate the expected number of melanoma cases and deaths averted, life-years saved, and melanoma treatment costs saved by reducing indoor tanning. We examined 5 scenarios: restricting indoor tanning among minors younger than 18 years, and reducing the prevalence by 20%, 50%, 80%, and 100%.

RESULTS

Restricting indoor tanning among minors younger than 18 years was estimated to prevent 61,839 melanoma cases, prevent 6735 melanoma deaths, and save $342.9 million in treatment costs over the lifetime of the 61.2 million youth age 14 years or younger in the United States. The estimated health and economic benefits increased as indoor tanning was further reduced.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include the reliance on available data and not examining compliance to indoor tanning laws.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing indoor tanning has the potential to reduce melanoma incidence, mortality, and treatment costs. These findings help quantify and underscore the importance of continued efforts to reduce indoor tanning and prevent melanoma.

Progress and remaining challenges for cancer control in Latin America and the Caribbean

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and an increasing threat in low-income and middle-income countries. Our findings in the 2013 Commission in The Lancet Oncology showed several discrepancies between the cancer landscape in Latin America and more developed countries. We reported that funding for health care was a small percentage of national gross domestic product and the percentage of health-care funds diverted to cancer care was even lower. Funds, insurance coverage, doctors, health-care workers, resources, and equipment were also very inequitably distributed between and within countries. We reported that a scarcity of cancer registries hampered the design of credible cancer plans, including initiatives for primary prevention. When we were commissioned by The Lancet Oncology to write an update to our report, we were sceptical that we would uncover much change. To our surprise and gratification much progress has been made in this short time. We are pleased to highlight structural reforms in health-care systems, new programmes for disenfranchised populations, expansion of cancer registries and cancer plans, and implementation of policies to improve primary cancer prevention.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: 25 Years of public health service to low-income women

This article presents an overview of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), a valuable and successful national public health program in the USA that will soon celebrate its 25th anniversary. Simulation modeling and other analyses have demonstrated that the NBCCEDP has significantly reduced breast and cervical cancer mortality among low-income uninsured and underinsured women in the USA, a major goal of the original legislation. The NBCCEDP has also served to build cancer prevention and control capacity in state and local health agencies and created strong and unique public-private partnerships aimed at improving women's health. As such, the impact of NBCCEDP extends beyond the millions of women served by the program to include increased public health system capacity and effectiveness regarding cancer early detection and control for all women.

Preventing premature deaths from breast and cervical cancer among underserved women in the United States: insights gained from a national cancer screening program

This commentary highlights some of the valuable insights gained from a special collection of papers that utilized data from the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) and appear in this special issue. The data and experiences of the NBCCEDP can inform the identification of new opportunities and directions for meeting the cancer screening needs of underserved women in a complex and changing health care environment.