Research shows periodic screenings can reduce deaths related to breast and cervical cancers. But a recent CDC study finds a troubling drop in testing during COVID-19.
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides cancer screenings to women with low income or poor health insurance coverage.
Even before COVID-19, women in those groups were the least likely to receive screenings, as were women living in rural areas.
Women in both groups face numerous barriers to testing, including lack consistent access to health care, transportation or language translation services. They also are less likely to trust the medical system.
Early Detection Program data from January through June 2020 shows cervical cancer screenings dropped by 84% — 92% among Asian Pacific Islander women.
That decline reached 87% for breast cancer testing — 98% among American Indian/Alaskan Native women.
That's concerning, as racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by both cancers.
