Disparities in cervical cancer in African American women: What primary care physicians can do

Cynthia Arvizo; Haider Mahdi

doi:10.3949/ccjm.84a.15115

Article Figures & Data

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TABLE 1
HPV vaccines available in the United States
Vaccine HPV types covered
2-valent (Cervarix) 16,18
4-valent (Gardasil) 6, 11, 16, 18
9-valent (Gardasil-9) 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58

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TABLE 2

Cervical cancer prevention: Tips for the primary care physician

Have the conversation. Educate women about cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV), including cervical cancer.

Screen all women for cervical cancer and ensure adequate follow-up of abnormal tests by implementing patient reminders and interactive telephone counseling.

Routinely offer HPV vaccination with other required vaccinations. Introduce the HPV vaccine as a vaccine for cancer prevention, as opposed to a vaccine related to sexually transmitted disease.

Vaccinate all children equally. Do not offer the vaccine based on perceived risk factors. In other words, do not assume certain children are not at risk.

Educate patients about risk factors for cervical cancer.