Study: Millennials Have the Highest Risk of Missing Cervical Cancer Screenings. Here's How to Address Your Fears.
Dr. Crystal Lee, M.D.
| 4 min read
Crystal R. Lee, MD, FACP, CPC-A, CHCQM is a Medical ...
Key Takeaways
- A new study surveying more than 5,500 women found that nearly one third of millennials postponed or skipped cervical cancer screenings.
- While cervical cancer is rare in individuals under the age of 25, there is an increase in incidences as individuals age into their late 20s and 30s, making regular screenings critical.
- Barriers such as embarrassment or stigma, fear of a cancer diagnosis and lack of awareness or low health literacy contribute to these statistics.
A new study found millennials aged 29 to 42 are more likely to miss cervical cancer screenings than any other age group.
Cervical cancer screenings are an important part of regular health visits for individuals with a cervix. Screening should begin at age 21 and occur regularly thereafter, according to the American College of Obstetrician Gynecology. The study – which surveyed more than 5,500 women – found that nearly one third of the millennials who participated in the study postponed or skipped their appointments.
Previous studies have suggested that about half of people who get cervical cancer are not screened as recommended, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Why do people skip cervical cancer screenings?
The study stated millennials disproportionately fail to prioritize cervical screening because of a mix of “emotional, logistical and societal pressures.” Other studies have found that young individuals with a cervix who skip cervical cancers screenings report numerous barriers, including:
- Embarrassment or stigma
- Fear of a cancer diagnosis
- Fear of pain and discomfort
- Lack of awareness and low health literacy
- Lack of screening
- Systemic and socioeconomic barriers, such as limited or no health care access, lack of transportation, etc.
The study also found 30% of those surveyed cite fear as the primary reason for missing or delaying their appointments, adding that millennials face a particular challenge in balancing careers, caregiving responsibilities and relationships.
These overlapping commitments, the study said, appear to push cervical screenings to the bottom of their priorities, resulting in higher rates of missed or delayed appointments compared to other groups.
Why is cervical cancer screening important?
Cervical cancer is highly preventable and highly curable if caught early. While cervical cancer is rare in individuals under the age of 25, there is an increase in incidences as individuals age into their late 20s and 30s, making regular screenings critical. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says all cervical cancers can be avoided by focusing on these prevention tactics:
- Getting an HPV vaccination between the age of 9 and 26
- Receiving routine cervical cancer screening tests between age 21 and 65
- Attending appropriate follow-up treatments when needed
- Using condoms during sex
Addressing fears and stigma around cervical cancer screenings
The two main types of cervical cancer screenings tests – Pap smears and HPV tests – as well as the HPV vaccine, are covered as preventive measures by most health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act.
Individuals worried about the screening process should contact their primary care provider (PCP) to learn what to expect during pap smears, which don’t typically cause physical pain, but may feel uncomfortable and cause light bleeding after the test. They also should not lead to pain or cramping. Those experiencing bleeding that lasts longer than 24 hours after a pap smear should contact their PCP.
Additionally, in some cultures cervical cancer is perceived to be a condition affecting only sexually promiscuous people. This notion perpetuates stigma and can cause shame for individuals weighing testing. Though the HPV that causes cervical cancer is most commonly transmitted via sexual activity, it can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or by one recurring partner, making it a risk for any sexually active person, not just those with many partners.
Pap smears are not required on a yearly basis. People with a cervix between the ages of 21 and 29 should receive a pap test once every three years. Doctors' offices, clinics and community health centers offer HPV and Pap tests. Many people receive these tests from their OB/GYN (obstetrics/gynecology) or PCP.
Those without a PCP or regular doctor can find a clinic near them that offers cervical cancer screenings by contacting:
- State or local health departments
- The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) website or by calling 1-800-232-4636 (NBCCEDP provides low-income, uninsured, and underserved people access to timely cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services.)
- The NCI's Cancer Information Service website or by calling 1-800-422-6237
Dr. Crystal Lee is a medical director of Clinical Decision Support at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more health tips and information, visit MIBlueDaily.com.
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