A recent report by Women in Government shows that states are making progress in the fight against cervical cancer, but still face barriers in terms of racial and socio-economic disparities in cervical cancer incidence, mortality and a lack of access to care. These findings are from Turning Challenges Into Opportunities: the ‘State’ of Cervical Cancer Prevention in America 2008, the fourth annual state-by-state comparison report by Women In Government, a non-profit, bi-partisan organization representing women state legislators.

The report looked at current data for each state on: cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates; screening rates, including for low-income women; women’s access to screening using the most up-to-date technology; rates of uninsured women; and, the legislative priority being put on this issue, particularly with the availability of the new HPV vaccine, approved by the FDA in 2006.

To date, all 50 states have introduced and/or enacted bills and resolutions targeting cervical cancer elimination. However, only one state and the District of Columbia have passed a vaccine requirement for school, and only five states passed laws requiring insurance coverage for the HPV vaccine. In many states, legislation has focused on HPV public education efforts.

To access a copy of Turning Challenges Into Opportunities: the ‘State’ of Cervical Cancer Prevention in America 2008, please visit www.womeningovernment.org/prevention/statereport/.