Cervical cancer and access to the HPV vaccine: The voices of Latina women

Background: Rates of new cervical cancer cases are highest among Latinas, who are 65% more likely to be diagnosed with and 42% more likely to die from cervical cancer than White women. Screening tests may help reduce as many as 80% of these deaths. Nevertheless, Latinas' screening participation rates are very low.

Nearly half of Hispanics in the U.S. are uninsured – the highest uninsured rate among all racial/ethnic groups. Further, their rates of receiving preventive care are significantly lower relative to Whites and African Americans.

Little is known about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Latinos and the HPV vaccine, presenting additional risk of Latinos being left out of cutting-edge advances in public health practice.

Purpose: The National Council of La Raza's Institute for Hispanic Health – supported by the National Cancer Institute and the Partnership to Prevent Cervical Cancer – carried out two separate projects to gain knowledge about cervical cancer-related issues among Latinos. The Latino Cancer Education Pilot Project assessed the KAP of a sample of community members, promotores de salud, and health service providers in four states, while the HPV Vaccine in Latinos Project conducted a situational analysis and needs assessment regarding cervical cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccines in four additional sites. Together, their results represent a comprehensive and unique view of the “on the ground” reality with regards to cervical cancer and Latinos.

Results: Findings from both projects will be analyzed and presented. Implications for future program and policy initiatives will be discussed.