A descriptive study of the decline in cervical screening coverage rates in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber Regions of the UK from 1995 to 2005

Abstract

Since the mid-1990s, there has been a steady decline in coverage rates for cervical screening in the target age group (25-64 years) across England. This article describes the rate of decline from 1995 to 2005 in the old health authority areas of the North East and the Yorkshire and the Humber (NEYH) regions in relation to age group, deprivation, ethnicity and religion. The results show that the rate of decline is faster in these northern regions than that in England as a whole, with a very strong correlation between age and rate of change of coverage rates. Younger age groups experience the fastest rate of decline, and those over 55 years show an increase in coverage rates. There is an association between the deprivation of the old health authority areas and the rate of change of coverage rates, with weaker evidence that areas with high proportions of Black or Mixed ethnicity may have a faster decline. However, the rate of decline is not associated with other ethnic groups or religions. Therefore, interventions could be targeted at younger women and those who live in deprived areas to prevent the widening of inequalities.

Statistical Modelling and Forecasting of Cervix Cancer Cases in Radiation Oncology Treatment: A Hospital Based Study from Western Nepal

“…This is exactly opposite from the western world scenario where nearly 75% decrease in the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer has occurred over the past 50 years (Quinn et al, 1999;Willoughby et al, 2006). Multiple factors might have accounted for the increasing trend in cervical cancer incidence in this region.…”

“…Multiple factors might have accounted for the increasing trend in cervical cancer incidence in this region. First of all, global incidence and mortality rates from cervical cancer are largely dependent on the strength of the screening programs and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination (Quinn et al, 1999;Willoughby et al, 2006). These interventions are weakly operational to virtually nonexistent in this region.…”

A cohort effect in cervical screening coverage?

“…4 There was a very strong correlation between age and rate of change of coverage rates. An association was also found with local deprivation measures and there was some indication that areas with high proportions of black or mixed ethnicity might have a faster rate of decline.…”

A randomized controlled trial in non-responders from Newcastle upon Tyne invited to return a self-sample for Human Papillomavirus testing versus repeat invitation for cervical screening

“…3 In 2012-2013 78.3% were screened at least once in the last five years, below the National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme's (NHSCSP) target of 80%. [3][4][5][6] Inequalities in the uptake of cancer screening have been well documented, with poor uptake associated with ethnic minority populations and social deprivation. 7,8 Barriers to attendance cited by women include fear or embarrassment, pain, the gender of the sample taker, inconvenient appointment times, and difficulty arranging child-care or time off work.…”