Oral

As public health workers, we encourage the uptake of prevention methods and screening tests that reduce mortality and morbidity. Public health education efforts, including some undertaken by commercial entities, have created a climate of heightened awareness of HPV and cervical cancer. As we work to create healthy communities through promoting equality across racial and ethnic groups in cancer screening, treatment and outcomes, we're challenged by persisting disparities. This session will address current controversies and challenges in HPV and cervical cancer prevention and screening methods, with special attention to groups that may be more susceptible to cervical cancer, such as African American women, Haitian women, women living in rural areas, and young women aged 18-26. This session will help refine an existing vision of cervical cancer screening that is evidence-based, reduces disparities, improves outcomes, and enables women to make informed decisions about their health. Individual speakers in this session will review current prevalence and mortality rates of cervical cancer and examine possible causes, including inadequate screening; review the evidence of effectiveness of cervical cancer screening; assess current HPV and cervical cancer screening education and outreach programs for their effectiveness in reducing disparities as well as their accuracy; and report on the latest research on women's knowledge, attitudes, believes and screening practices for HPV and cervical cancer.

Session Objectives: Compare the effectiveness of screening for cervical cancer in reducing mortality. Analyze the accuracy of selected HPV and cervical cancer screening education programs. Discuss women’s current knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of HPV and cervical cancer screenings

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)