Cervical Cancer Trends Differ by Age - Summary - MDSpire

Cervical Cancer Trends Differ by Age

Recent declines among women younger than 35 years contrasted with rising long-term incidence among women aged 35 to 49 years in Puerto Rico

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • May 6, 2026

  • 4 min

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Objective:

To analyze cervical cancer incidence trends in Puerto Rico from 2001 to 2023, focusing on differences by age group.

Key Findings:
  • Cervical cancer incidence rates in Puerto Rico are 11.5 cases per 100,000 women, significantly higher than the US average of 7.5 cases and above the WHO target of 4 cases.
  • Hysterectomy-corrected incidence increased by about 3% annually from 2001 to 2014, then decreased by about 3% annually from 2014 to 2023, indicating a potential shift in trends.
Interpretation:

The decline in cervical cancer incidence among younger women aligns with increased HPV vaccination, while rising rates in women aged 35 to 49 indicate a need for improved screening and follow-up care, emphasizing the importance of targeted public health interventions.

Limitations:
  • Lack of individual-level data on HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and follow-up care limits the ability to draw direct causal links.
  • Exclusion of certain data periods due to Hurricane Maria and COVID-19 disruptions may have led to incomplete trend analysis.
Conclusion:

Cervical cancer incidence trends in Puerto Rico are stabilizing, with a notable decline in younger women and concerning increases in the 35 to 49 age group, highlighting the need for public health interventions.

Original Source(s)

Cervical Cancer Trends Differ by Age

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • May 6, 2026

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