The Importance of Cervical Cancer Screening During COVID-19 and Beyond

Cervical cancer screening, explained

For the Pap test, cells are collected from the cervix and examined for any degree of abnormal change and signs of precancerous or cancerous cells. "Screening allows us to identify pre-cancerous lesions and treat them to prevent a diagnosis of cancer, or to diagnose cervical cancer at an early stage when it is still curable," said Dr. Deanna Teoh, a gynecologic oncologist and assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (OBGYN) at the University of Minnesota.

The HPV test looks for high-risk types of HPV infection that are most likely to cause cervical cancer. About 90% of cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection, which is so common that it affects nearly every sexually active person at some point in their lives. Most people's immune systems clear the HPV infection, but when an HPV infection doesn't clear, the risk of cervical cancer increases.

Screenings postponed during the pandemic

Screening for cervical cancer may involve a Pap plus HPV test (co-testing) every five years, a Pap test alone every three years or an HPV test alone every five years. Although guidelines vary on when to start screening and what test(s) to use, the objective is the same: to get regular cervical cancer screening.

But many women aren't following these or any recommendations, and they're missing screening altogether. One study conducted between 2005 and 2016 found that only 64.6% of women ages 30 to 65 were up to date with their screenings in 2016. Other research shows that the older women are, the more likely they have never been tested for cervical cancer or haven't been tested in the previous five years. And the Covid-19 pandemic has made things much worse.

A large health system in California saw the rate of cervical cancer screenings drop by about 80% between mid-March and mid-June of 2020 compared to the same timespan in 2019. At the Northeast's largest healthcare system, a decrease in cancer screenings during the first surge of the pandemic led to a sharp decline in cancer and precancer diagnoses.

"While it takes time for precancerous lesions to progress to cancer, putting off screenings may allow the lesion to progress undetected," said Teoh. When they're not caught in a screening, abnormal cells have the opportunity to change from precancerous to cancerous.

Barriers to screening extend beyond Covid-19

As Taylor's story illustrates, the pandemic isn't the only thing preventing people from getting screened for cervical cancer. The updated guidelines may be confusing for some, while others may feel too busy to worry about preventive care. And many people don't have access to screenings.

Race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and region greatly influence the number of people being screened for cervical cancer. More Black and Hispanic women get cervical cancer than white women, possibly because of limited access to screenings and follow-up treatment. And women with low incomes who live in remote, underserved communities without healthcare facilities that provide screenings and HPV vaccination are often unable to benefit from these lifesaving interventions.

Safe screening and self-testing

Continued limits on capacity and appointments may make it difficult for women to get screenings at clinics, even ones that are resuming preventive care services.

So, how can people safely get screened for cervical cancer?

For many, physically going in for a screening can be done safely with the proper precautions in place. Women should feel empowered to talk to their providers about scheduling an appointment and call their clinic or office to ensure they're using proper precautions to protect patients and staff from Covid-19. Strict infection control measures are expected to remain in place for an extended period as we move through the pandemic. Wearing a mask and getting a Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible will also help to keep you safe wherever you go.

Screening saves lives

Taylor is now 34 and cancer-free, but treatment took a massive toll. She's unable to have children and takes medication to manage symptoms of early menopause. Mentally, she's dealing with the trauma of living in a body that has been forever changed by cancer.

Hoping to spare other people the suffering she experienced, Taylor is committed to raising awareness about the importance of cervical cancer screenings.

"I promise you do not want to go through any of this," she said. "I beg of you to get your screenings and vaccines; it does not take much time out of your day but can save your life."