Cervical cancer disparities in South Carolina: an update of early detection, special programs, descriptive epidemiology, and emerging directions.

Through careful examination of cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates and current resources available in South Carolina, we have identified research and intervention priorities related to cervical cancer that would best serve the women of this state. Mortality rates due to cervical cancer are largely explained by the lack of early detection among women rarely and never screened and non-adherence to recommended follow-up care of cervical dysplasia; however, other factors less well explained are determinants of observed disparities between AA and EA women. Efforts are underway to implement strategies recommended by the NCI to eliminate cervical cancer disparities through improved efforts to reach out to rarely and never-screened women and prepare health care providers for implementation of HPV vaccines.