Early Radiation Therapy and Cervical Cancer Survival in the United States

A paucity of information exists on the benefits of using radiation therapy for treating women with early cervical cancer detection. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between early versus late testing of Human papilloma virus (HPV), age, race, radiation therapy, and regions in United States, and survival rates among women diagnosed with early cervical cancer. The epidemiological triad of person, time, and space guided this study to explain the regional spread of cervical cancer, and the effect of early testing. Secondary data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) were used (N= 520,153). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics as well as binary and multiple logistic regression. According to multiple logistic regression tests early testing for HPV saved more women from cervical cancer death (Odds ratio = .917, CI = .896 - .939, P = .000), and women with radiation therapy had increase likelihood of dying (Odds ratio = 1.646, CI = 1.626 – 1.667, P = .000). Older Women had increased likelihood of dying when diagnosed with cervical cancer (Odds ratio = 1.043, CI = 1.042 – 1.044, P = .000).Whites had a reduced likelihood of dying when diagnosed with cervical cancer (Odds ratio = .735, CI = .722 - .748, P = .000) compared to non-Whites with increased likelihood of dying when diagnosed with cervical cancer (Odds ratio = 1.3605, CI = .722 - .748). Alaskans had a reduced likelihood of dying compared to women living in the Pacific Coast (Odds ratio = .714, CI = .598 -.853, P = .000). Increased awareness among women on radiation therapy for early detection of cervical cancer can improve survival and lead to positive social change

Childbirth Educators’ Role Regarding Pregnant Women and Cervical Cancer Prevention

Childbirth educators play an important role in educating pregnant women regarding their health. They bridge the gap between pregnant women and healthcare providers. A paucity of information exists on the benefits that pregnant women derive from interactions with childbirth educators regarding early cervical cancer detection. The purpose of our cross-sectional study was to investigate the association among education during early pregnancy offered by the childbirth educators, access to childbirth educators, availability of childbirth educators in the United States and survival from cervical cancer. Secondary data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) on 520,153 women were analyzed using logistic regression. Childbirth education delivered by childbirth educators during early pregnancy was associated with significantly fewer cervical cancer deaths (odds ratio = .917, CI = .896–.939, P = .000). Women with late-stage diagnosis had an increased likelihood of dying when diagnosed with cervical cancer (odds ratio = 1.043, CI = 1.042– 1.044, P = .000). Childbirth educators are effective at increasing awareness of cervical cancer among women in the early stages of pregnancy; this can improve survival and lead to positive social change