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Last month, the Jackson Medical Mall offered free screenings to women concerned about their health, as previous cervical cancer death rates research did not account for women who had undergone hysterectomies which seriously affected the outcome.
Past Studies
The past study conducted by scientists at Johns Hopkins Hospital George Washington University looked at cervical cancer death rates in women from 2000 to 2012 but did not consider patients who had previously removed their cervix. Hence, according to the inaccurate study, 5.7 out of 100,000 African-American women died from the disease, while 3.2 out of the same sample of Caucasian women died because of health complications associated with cervical cancer.
However, after reviewing these findings, scientists said that the death rates associated with the fatal disease are much higher. Hence, researchers found that as many as 10.1 out of 100,000 African-American women succumb to complications linked to the disease, while 4.7 out of 100,000 Caucasian females do not survive the illness.
In percentage points, scientists say that African-American women now die at a 77 percent increased higher rate than their Caucasian peers at only 47 percent increased death rate than previously reported.
Preventive Measures
In light of these events, the University of Mississippi Medical Center health experts teamed up with multiple other community groups in an effort to raise awareness on cervical cancer and provide women across America with reliable preventive measures. Physicians say that the disease is highly preventable, given the fact that early signs could appear seven years before nothing could be done to save the patient’s life.
Two out of 41 women who subjected themselves to these free screenings were referred for diagnostic procedures, while 11 others who had mammograms were referred for diagnostic evaluation. The January 28th initiative was part of the College of American Pathologists’ Foundation See, Test & Treat Program that provides pelvic and breast cancer screenings free of charge for women who are either underserved o underinsured.
These screenings were offered at the New Horizon Church. Also, University of Mississippi Medical Center health experts included a free acral melanoma test. In general, African-American women and those with darker skins are most susceptible to this form of skin cancer.
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