Changing Demographics Cervical Cancer in the United States: An Update (2000-2020)

Abstract

Objective: To review and update changes in the cervical cancer population.
Methods: The 17-registry SEER database was used to perform a retrospective cohort study on cervical cancer in the United States from 2000-2020. The estimated annual percent change and incidence by spread of disease, age, and race were compared using 95% confidence intervals. A comparison of patient characteristics in 1973 compared to 2020 were evaluated. Data was analyzed using SEER*Stat version 8.4.0 and SPSS Statistics.
Results: 32,224 patients from 2000-2009 and 34,040 from 2010-2020 were studied. The percentage with diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma from 2000-2009 was 74.5% and 70.3% from 2010-2020, a decrease at a rate of 1.9 cases per year. Most patients presented with local disease, but there has been a shift from 70.6% of the population to 61.9% in the last two decades. More than half of patients diagnosed were less than age 50. The incidence continues to decrease in all racial groups except American Indian/Alaskan Native.
Conclusions: Demographics of cervical cancer in the United States continue to shift in parallel with prevention strategies. Over the last 2 decades, women are more likely to present at younger age of diagnosis and advanced stage despite overall decreased incidence. There is still a racial/ethnic disparity in cervical cancer incidence, emphasizing need for targeted intervention amid cultural barriers. Recognizing trends in disease patterns influences where resources are needed, prompting continued research in interventions to eliminate cervical cancer.