Millions of U.S. Women Lack Cervical Cancer Screening, CDC Reports

Approximately eight million women in the United States, ages 21 to 65, have not received cervical cancer screenings within the last five years, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vital Signs report published recently.

CDC officials stated that screening identifies precancerous changes, allowing for treatment to prevent cervical cancer development. The agency's data indicated that over half of newly diagnosed cervical cancer cases are found in women who receive infrequent or no screening.

Regular screening enables early detection and treatment, healthcare providers say. The CDC encourages women to adhere to recommended screening guidelines to lower their risk of developing cervical cancer.

Screening options include Pap tests, which look for cell changes on the cervix, and HPV tests, which check for the presence of the human papillomavirus. Guidelines vary based on age and individual risk factors; the CDC recommends consulting healthcare providers for personalized screening schedules.