Clinical Report: Variations in Cervical Cancer Incidence Trends in Puerto Rico
Overview
{'text': 'This study analyzes cervical cancer incidence trends in Puerto Rico from 2001 to 2023, revealing a significant increase among women aged 35 to 49 years, while younger women show a decline potentially linked to HPV vaccination efforts. Overall, hysterectomy-corrected incidence rates remained above 11.5 cases per 100,000 women throughout the study period, indicating a concerning trend.'}
Background
Cervical cancer incidence rates in Puerto Rico are among the highest in the U.S., highlighting a critical public health issue. Despite high HPV vaccination and screening rates, the region has not achieved the World Health Organization's cervical cancer elimination goal. Understanding these trends is essential for guiding public health interventions and improving screening practices.
Data Highlights
{'text': '
Year
Hysterectomy-Corrected Incidence Rate
Non-Corrected Incidence Rate
2001-2023
11.5+
Specify data
'}
Key Findings
{'text': '
4636 cervical cancer cases diagnosed in Puerto Rico from 2001 to 2023.
Annual hysterectomy-corrected incidence rates exceeded 11.5 cases per 100,000 women.
Significant increase in cervical cancer incidence among women aged 35 to 49 years (AAPC, 2.0% - Average Annual Percentage Change).
Marked decline in incidence among women younger than 35 years since 2019 (APC, -20.2% - Annual Percentage Change).
Stable incidence trends observed for women aged 50 to 64 years throughout the study period.
Declines in cervical cancer incidence since 2014, particularly among younger women, possibly linked to HPV vaccination efforts.
'}
Clinical Implications
{'text': 'The findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions, such as increasing HPV vaccination rates and improving screening adherence, to address the rising cervical cancer incidence among women aged 35 to 49 years.'}
Conclusion
{'text': 'Cervical cancer incidence trends in Puerto Rico indicate a stabilization overall, with significant declines among younger women potentially associated with vaccination efforts. Ongoing surveillance and public health strategies are essential to address the increasing rates in specific age groups, particularly among women aged 35 to 49 years.'}
by Ana P. Ortiz, Jeslie M. Ramos-Cartagena, Carlos R. Torres-Cintrón, Eduardo J. Santiago-Rodríguez, Sandra I. García-Camacho, Ashish A. Deshmukh, Karen J. Ortiz-Ortiz
